time slipping away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time slipping away" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a sense of urgency or the feeling that time is passing quickly, often in a context where action is needed. Example: "As the deadline approached, I could feel time slipping away, and I knew I had to work faster to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Quoting a poem on the subject of the sands of time slipping away, she says, "Shakespeare.

The New Yorker

With time slipping away, he drifted to his left, eating up time the Eagles didn't have.

The New York Times - Sports

"There's that horrible feeling of time slipping away and nothing being done".

The New York Times - Science

I'll start to see time slipping away like sand through a glass.

The Guardian - Books

"Everything at the tip of your fingers," Toney said, "and at the same time slipping away".

The New York Times - Magazine

The loveliness of Bats in the Attic's melody masks a pretty devastating lyric about unfulfilled dreams and time slipping away.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Time slips away angularly.

The Guardian - Music

"Time slips away from you," she said.

The New York Times

And so time slipped away.

The New York Times

Relish every day, or let time slip away?

The New York Times

Construction was slow, permits were stubborn, time slipped away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine the phrase with sensory details. For instance, describe the feeling of "time slipping away" like sand through your fingers to enhance its impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "time slipping away" in everyday situations where a simpler phrase like "time is passing" would suffice. Overusing it can diminish its emotional impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

"Time slipping away" functions as a noun phrase expressing a perceived phenomenon of time's passage. It describes a subjective experience rather than a concrete action. Ludwig AI provides examples of this phrase being used to evoke feelings of urgency and missed opportunities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time slipping away" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys a sense of urgency and the fleeting nature of time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, supported by numerous examples primarily from news and media sources. While versatile, it's best used in contexts where a touch of emotional emphasis is appropriate, and it should be avoided in strictly formal or casual situations where simpler alternatives might be more suitable. Related phrases like ""time running out"" and ""time is fleeting"" offer similar meanings with subtle variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time running out

Focuses on the approaching end of a time limit or deadline, emphasizing urgency.

precious time is dwindling

Stresses the value of time and its decreasing quantity, indicating a need for careful use.

time is fleeting

Highlights the transient and ephemeral nature of time, with a more philosophical tone.

clock is ticking

Emphasizes the continuous and irreversible passage of time, often in situations requiring immediate action.

sands of time are running out

Uses a metaphor to represent time diminishing, adding a poetic or literary quality.

days are numbered

Suggests a limited lifespan or period of existence, often used in serious or critical situations.

time is passing

A general statement about the progression of time, lacking the urgency or loss implied in the original phrase.

moments are escaping

Emphasizes the loss of individual moments, suggesting a need to seize the present.

opportunity is fading

Shifts the focus to the loss of chances or possibilities due to the passage of time.

deadline is approaching

Specifically refers to a time limit getting closer, creating a sense of pressure.

FAQs

What does "time slipping away" mean?

The phrase "time slipping away" refers to the feeling that time is passing quickly, often accompanied by a sense of urgency or loss. It suggests that opportunities or moments are being missed as time progresses.

What can I say instead of "time slipping away"?

You can use alternatives like "time running out", "time is fleeting", or "clock is ticking" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "time is slipping away"?

Yes, "time is slipping away" is a grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use in published sources.

How can I effectively use "time slipping away" in a sentence?

To effectively use "time slipping away", consider pairing it with vivid imagery or sensory details to enhance the feeling of urgency or loss. For example, "As the deadline approached, I could feel time slipping away, and I knew I had to work faster."