time slips away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time slips away" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that time is passing quickly or that moments are fleeting. Example: "As we grow older, we often realize how quickly time slips away, reminding us to cherish every moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Books

Arts

Society

Travel

Science & Research

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Time slips away angularly.

The Guardian - Music

"Time slips away from you," she said.

The New York Times

Our environmental problems loom menacingly as time slips away for humans and animals.

The New York Times

Slowly time slips away, and so do the men who led Spain to become the best team in the world.

The Guardian - Sport

The service can be painstakingly slow, but armed with good company or a good read the time slips away.

The Telegraph

Time slips away amid small cruelties, brutal assaults and a harrowing passage in which the soldiers use the women as shields during a raid on a Muslim enclave.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

And so time slipped away.

The New York Times

Time slipped away, now more plausible.

The Guardian - Sport

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

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time slips away" to evoke a sense of nostalgia, regret, or urgency about the passing of time. It's particularly effective when discussing missed opportunities or the fleeting nature of life.

Common error

While "time slips away" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise language like "time elapses" or "the deadline approaches" in such contexts to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time slips away" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression. It acts as a subject complement when used with a linking verb (e.g., Time is slipping away). As Ludwig AI suggests, it is frequently used to convey a feeling of loss or passing of opportunities. Examples found in Ludwig show its wide applicability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Books

8%

Arts

7%

Society

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time slips away" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that conveys a sense of the passing and fleeting nature of time, often with an undertone of lost opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. While the phrase is versatile, consider the tone of your writing and choose alternatives such as ""time passes by"" for more formal settings. It is advisable to avoid overuse and to use this expression carefully when writing. Remember that source authority is strong, with examples from The New York Times, The Guardian and several authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time is fleeting

Emphasizes the quick and transient nature of time.

time goes by

A simple and direct way of saying time is passing.

time passes by

Focuses on the general passing of time, without necessarily implying a loss or regret.

moments fade away

Emphasizes the ephemeral nature of individual moments.

time runs short

Indicates a limited amount of time available.

time marches on

Highlights the relentless and unstoppable nature of time.

the clock is ticking

Highlights the pressure and urgency associated with limited time.

time elapses

More formal and technical, emphasizing the completion of a time interval.

the sands of time are running out

A more poetic expression of limited time remaining.

opportunities vanish

Focuses on the loss of chances as time progresses.

FAQs

How can I use "time slips away" in a sentence?

You can use "time slips away" to express the feeling that time is passing quickly and often unnoticed. For example: "As we get older, we realize how quickly "time slips away", making it important to cherish every moment."

What are some alternatives to "time slips away"?

Alternatives include "time passes by", "time elapses", or "time is fleeting" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "time is slipping away" is a grammatically correct and commonly used variant that emphasizes the ongoing process of time passing. It's very similar in meaning to ""time slips away"".

What is the difference between "time slips away" and "time flies"?

"Time slips away" often carries a sense of loss or missed opportunities, while "time flies" simply means that time passes quickly, often when you're enjoying yourself. The former has a slightly more melancholic tone.