time will show

USAGE SUMMARY

"time will show" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that the truth of a situation will become clear in the future. For example, "He said he would be successful, but time will show if that is true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only time will show.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are, time will show, rash words.

Independent

Only time will show what he can do.

Independent

Time will show whether alternative medicine has done so too.

The Economist

Time will show," was Verdi's characteristically laconic comment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whether any genuinely criminal American will be, time will show.

The Economist

Of course time will show how genuine it is.

The Guardian - Opinion

I can only hope time will show I wasn't wrong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Only time will show us where we are".

The New York Times - Books

I suppose time will show, and so far so good.

The New York Times

But time will show how Paris will change, and I'm sure it will".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time will show" when you want to express that the validity or truth of something will only be confirmed in the future. It's best used when there's a degree of uncertainty or doubt.

Common error

While "time will show" is widely acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "the future will reveal" or "the outcome will demonstrate" in academic or professional writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time will show" functions as a modal expression, indicating a future event or outcome that will reveal the truth or validity of a current situation. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase appears across diverse contexts to suggest eventual confirmation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time will show" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that the truth or outcome of a situation will only be revealed in the future. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and useful phrase for emphasizing the role of time in clarifying uncertainty. Its usage spans across news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, making it a versatile phrase suitable for many scenarios. While generally neutral in tone, it is advisable to consider more formal alternatives in highly professional settings. Overall, "time will show" effectively conveys the idea that future events will ultimately provide the answer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only time will tell

A more common and idiomatic alternative, focusing on the uncertainty of the outcome.

it remains to be seen

Expresses that the outcome is still uncertain and needs to be observed.

the future will reveal

Emphasizes the revealing aspect of the future.

the outcome will demonstrate

Focuses on the outcome as a demonstrator of truth.

subsequent events will prove

Highlights that later events will confirm or deny something.

the truth will emerge

Highlights the eventual unveiling of the truth.

we will know in due course

Indicates that knowledge will come at the appropriate time.

history will judge

Implies a more formal and long-term assessment of a situation.

as things unfold

Focuses on the gradual process of revealing the truth.

the proof is in the pudding

An idiomatic expression suggesting that the real value or quality will be apparent in practice.

FAQs

How can I use "time will show" in a sentence?

You can use "time will show" to indicate that the truth or validity of something will only become apparent in the future. For example, "The company claims this new product will revolutionize the market, but "only time will tell".

What's a more formal alternative to "time will show"?

If you need a more formal option, consider phrases like "the future will reveal" or "the outcome will demonstrate".

Is "time will show" the same as "time will tell"?

While similar, "time will show" emphasizes the revealing aspect, while "time will tell" more directly expresses that only the passage of time will provide the answer.

When is it appropriate to use "time will show"?

"Time will show" is appropriate when you want to express a degree of uncertainty or doubt, suggesting that future events will be the ultimate proof. It implies a patient waiting for events to unfold.