time was suspended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time was suspended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a moment when everything feels still or when time seems to stand still, often in a dramatic or emotional context. Example: "As she walked down the aisle, time was suspended, and all that mattered was the love they shared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

When I was painting, time was suspended.

Stanford University

"Time was suspended in a sort of purgatory".

The New Yorker

His jail time was suspended on condition of good behavior for one year.

The New York Times

Time was suspended as the minor commotion of an unexpected visitor failed to materialise.

The Guardian

As the two apex predators human and cat took each other's measure, it seemed to Larsen that time was suspended.

The New Yorker

I never thought I would reach the end; time was suspended in a vacuum of fear and nausea.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Time is suspended".

The New York Times

The shares, not for the first time, are suspended.

Independent

While students suspended for the first time are suspended for one year, students suspended a subsequent time may be suspended for up to three years.

Stanford University

Time is suspended". But other remarks are campy or close to meaningless: "The pain!

The New York Times - Arts

Time is suspended until the axe falls, and the axe is eternally about to fall.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time was suspended" to create a sense of heightened emotion or stillness in your writing. It's particularly effective in describing moments of intense focus, shock, or wonder.

Common error

Avoid using "time was suspended" in mundane contexts. The phrase is best reserved for moments that genuinely evoke a sense of timelessness or altered perception, not for simply describing a delay or a break in routine.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time was suspended" functions as an intransitive verbal phrase within a clause, often serving as the predicate. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a state where the normal flow of time is altered or paused. Examples found on Ludwig show it used in contexts like painting or experiencing a car crash.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time was suspended" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a sense of altered or paused time, often in emotionally charged or significant moments. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and showcases its usage in various contexts. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is recognized and effectively used in news, media, and academic settings. Alternatives like "time stood still" can offer similar connotations. The phrase is best reserved for situations where a genuine sense of timelessness is intended, avoiding overuse in mundane scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time stood still

This alternative suggests a complete halt in the passage of time.

time seemed to stop

This alternative implies a perceived cessation of time.

time ceased to exist

This alternative indicates a more extreme absence of time.

time lost all meaning

This alternative suggests time became irrelevant or insignificant.

time warped

This alternative describes a distortion or bending of time.

time blurred

This alternative suggests a lack of clear distinction in the passage of time.

time faded away

This alternative conveys a gradual disappearance of the sense of time.

time evaporated

This alternative expresses a sudden and complete disappearance of time.

time was no object

This alternative implies that time was not a limiting factor or concern.

time became irrelevant

This alternative signifies that time lost its importance or significance.

FAQs

How can I use "time was suspended" in a sentence?

You can use "time was suspended" to describe a moment where the normal flow of time seems to pause or become distorted. For example: "As the music swelled, "time was suspended" and the dancers moved as one."

What does "time was suspended" mean?

The phrase "time was suspended" suggests that the normal perception of time has been altered or halted, often due to intense emotion, focus, or a significant event.

What can I say instead of "time was suspended"?

You can use alternatives like "time stood still", "time seemed to stop", or "time ceased to exist" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "time is suspended"?

While grammatically correct, "time is suspended" implies a more ongoing or permanent state, whereas ""time was suspended"" typically describes a specific moment or event in the past.