traverse time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "traverse time" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom and a metaphor, often used to describe the experience of time passing quickly. For example, "The day seemed to traverse time - it felt like I had blinked and suddenly the sun was setting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Great actors have the ability and the imagination to cross oceans and traverse time.

Independent

If the equations are independent of ψ then the dependent variable (concentration or temperature) will be constant on lines of constant traverse time τ.

Applied Mathematical Modelling

This paper explores the relationship between traverse time and heat and mass transfer and gains an insight into the grain storage processes that are controlled by forced convection.

Applied Mathematical Modelling

Spread throughout three large rooms, the exhibition was arranged along three themes: objects that measure time, objects that traverse time or are traversed by it, and objects that represent time.

The New York Times

In an age when politicians traverse time zones like astronauts and speak in made-for-television sound bites, Mr. Lieberman remains a firmly rooted, frequently long-winded exception to the rule.

The New York Times

Quantitative characterization of pore topology inside grain bulks is necessary to predict the air traverse time and the cooling or fumigation pattern for the design of storage management strategies.

Computers and Electronics in Agriculture

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Memory is a form of mental time travel, enabling us to "traverse times and spaces far remote".

The Guardian

Tell me where dwell the joys of old, and where the ancient loves, And when will they renew again, and the night of oblivion past, That I might traverse times and spaces far remote, and bring Comforts into a present sorrow and a night of pain?

The Guardian

Before beginning this journey, I didn't realize how often I'd be traversing time, as well as space.

The New York Times - Travel

Traversing time, they recollect, in opposing, overlapping versions, the saga of their father, who paid no mind to ethics in his accumulation of 20,000 acres.

The New York Times

Based on Mr. Santos's testimony that Roger was particularly useful for traversing time zones, I sent her an invitation to join the app.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "traverse time" when you want to evoke a sense of actively moving through or experiencing a period, whether literally or metaphorically. It's particularly effective when describing phenomena or entities that exist across different eras or points in time.

Common error

Avoid using "traverse time" when simpler phrases like "experience time" or "pass through time" suffice. The more complex term is appropriate when emphasizing active navigation or movement across temporal boundaries, not just the act of existing within a timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "traverse time" functions as a verb phrase where "traverse" acts as a transitive verb and "time" as its direct object. Ludwig shows the phrase often describes actions or abilities related to moving through different eras or experiencing the passage of time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

50%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "traverse time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a verb phrase denoting movement or experience across different periods. Its usage is prevalent in news and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register suitable for varied audiences. While alternatives like "travel through time" exist, "traverse time" carries a nuance of active navigation. When choosing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended emphasis on movement or spanning across temporal boundaries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

travel through time

This is a common and readily understood alternative, especially in contexts involving fictional time travel.

journey through time

This option adds a sense of experience and progression, making it suitable for narrative contexts.

pass through time

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary, making it slightly less formal than "traverse time".

navigate time

This option implies a need to manage or steer oneself through a specific timeframe.

move across time

This phrase focuses on the movement aspect, similar to "traverse time", but is more literal.

cross through time

This option emphasizes overcoming the limits of time.

span time

This alternative emphasizes the duration or extent of time covered.

progress through time

This alternative focuses on a steady advancement over a period.

experience time

This focuses on the subjective interaction with time, rather than physical movement.

endure time

This phrase suggests withstanding the challenges presented by the passage of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "traverse time" to describe something moving through different periods, like: "The exhibition featured artifacts that "traverse time", showcasing human innovation across centuries."

What's a good alternative to "traverse time"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as "travel through time" or "span time". These alternatives offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "transverse time" instead of "traverse time"?

While "traverse" means to travel across or through, "transverse" describes something lying or acting across. Therefore, ""traverse time"" is correct when describing movement through time.

In what contexts is "traverse time" most appropriate?

"Traverse time" is best used in contexts where active movement or navigation through time is emphasized. For example, it could describe a historical narrative that "move across time" periods or a theoretical concept that extends across eras.