time stutters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time stutters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe moments when time feels like it is not flowing smoothly, often in a poetic or metaphorical context. Example: "In the quiet of the night, time stutters, each second stretching into eternity as I ponder my thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Time stutters.

The New York Times - Books

Throughout levels there are also Time Stutters, environmental bubbles where time has stopped, or where events are rewinding or speeding up.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's the first time stuttering has been the theme of a major feature film and the condition has been exhibited by the main actor.

The New York Times

Monday night's debate provided an odd role reversal that made Mr. Romney seem on the defensive, particularly because he at times stuttered and sputtered in his haste to make his points.

The New York Times

Since the time in Stutters can stop and start at random, Joyce has to use his ability to freeze flying debris in mid-air to create pathways or clear a way forward.

The Guardian - Tech

The same JJB Sports who are the official suppliers of England replica kits, and whose share price dips every time England stutter?

The Guardian - Sport

There was much for a neutral to enjoy in what, fittingly, was the best match of the tournament between the first and third seeds – just ahead of Murray's semi-final win over Marin Cilic on Saturday when for the second time he stuttered mid-match before winning in three sets.

The Guardian - Sport

And to avoid turning off users, designers and developers have to cut back on clutter and streamline their services, avoiding slow load times and stuttering interruptions.

The New York Times - Tech

If the legislation is successfully passed, companies including Google, YouTube, Netflix and Amazon will probably have to pay for a higher speed internet connection to continue to stream video and other internet services at the same rate they do now to avoid users being infuriated by slow loading times and stuttering video.

The Guardian - Tech

This goes on for a long time, sometimes to stuttering repetitions of musical phrases, or lush renditions of familiar songs ("Love Me or Leave Me").

The New York Times - Arts

And toward the end of the set Questlove started making executive decisions with the rhythm, halving the time, dragging and stuttering the beats, intimating further stretching that could happen to these songs, and perhaps would in later sets.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time stutters" to add a poetic or metaphorical touch when describing a moment where the flow of time feels disrupted or unusual. For example, in moments of intense emotion or suspense.

Common error

Avoid using "time stutters" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Reserve it for moments where the disrupted sense of time is genuinely significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time stutters" functions primarily as a descriptive element, imbuing a narrative with a sense of temporal distortion. Ludwig confirms this usage with examples where it's used to depict disrupted or unusual time flow.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Tech

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time stutters" is a grammatically sound and evocative expression used to describe moments where the flow of time feels disrupted. Ludwig identifies its use in News & Media and Tech, suggesting a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While not very common, as Ludwig confirms, its metaphorical nature adds depth and imagery to writing, conveying a sense of temporal distortion or suspense. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "time falters" or "time hesitates".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time falters

Replaces "stutters" with a synonym suggesting a brief interruption in the flow of time.

time hesitates

Similar to "time falters", but implies a pause or reluctance in time's progression.

time skips

Suggests time is jumping forward, missing segments in between.

time lags

Implies a delay or slowness in the passage of time.

time warps

Indicates a distortion in the perception or flow of time.

time bends

Suggests time is being manipulated or altered from its normal course.

time fractures

Implies time is breaking into pieces or segments.

time fragments

Similar to "time fractures", emphasizing broken or incomplete segments of time.

time freezes

Indicates a complete halt in the passage of time.

time distorts

Suggests time is being warped or altered in an irregular manner.

FAQs

What does "time stutters" mean?

The phrase "time stutters" suggests that the normal flow of time is disrupted or hesitant. It's a metaphorical way to describe a moment where time feels like it's pausing, repeating, or otherwise not progressing smoothly.

How can I use "time stutters" in a sentence?

You can use "time stutters" to describe moments of shock, suspense, or heightened emotion where the perception of time is altered. For example: "During the accident, "time stutters" as I waited for the impact".

Are there alternatives to "time stutters"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "time falters", "time hesitates", or "time lags" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is "time stutters" grammatically correct?

Yes, "time stutters" is grammatically correct. It uses "time" as a noun and "stutters" as a verb in the present tense to describe an action or state.