untold times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "untold times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express an indefinite or countless number of occurrences or instances of something. Example: "She has visited that beautiful beach untold times over the years, each visit bringing back cherished memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"At the gate!" the rabbi yelled untold times, signaling corrections officers to let us deeper into the prison.

The New York Times

Kanye West's newest project, "The Life of Pablo," has been revised untold times since its release (a snare drum might be quieted, or a lyric adjusted).

The New Yorker

As a professional athlete who has been involved in doping procedures for many years and has been tested untold times, I have to say, without knowing Lizzie, I feel compelled to defend her.

The Guardian - Sport

This great star of football who had won the league championship untold times.

BBC

It's a look that's been painted and photographed untold times: a mother gazing deep into her infant's eyes while the two smile and kiss.

Science Magazine

The basic rules of logic are testable by observation, and they have held up untold times, although this does not necessarily mean that they hold in every situation.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

After practice, Coach Fernandes spent untold time soothing his fears.

The New York Times

Yet whether by virtue of incompetence or willful ignorance, TSA continues to waste untold time and untold millions of dollars on a tedious, zero-tolerance fixation with blades and sharps.

The Economist

Why devote untold time and money in pursuit of being called an Ironman – a title that means little outside the world of amateur endurance sports?

The Guardian - Sport

The perfect white shirt is something of a holy grail for fashion followers – untold time has been spent in pursuit of a specimen that is not too stiff and starchy, but doesn't err across the line into blousey territory.

Independent

For example, many of them spend untold, unpaid time "waiting around" – witness the spread of oxymoronic "zero-hours" employment contracts, under which employees must be ready at any moment to work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "untold times" to emphasize the frequency of an event when the exact number is unknown or considered too high to count. It adds a sense of magnitude to the repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "untold times" in highly formal or academic writing where precise quantification is expected. Opt for more specific language if possible, or choose a more neutral synonym like "frequently" or "repeatedly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "untold times" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the frequency of an action. Ludwig examples show this in various contexts, reinforcing its role in expressing repetition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "untold times" functions as an adverbial phrase used to emphasize the high frequency of an event. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable, but relatively uncommon. Examples show its prevalence in news and media, with less frequent usage in formal and scientific contexts. For greater precision, writers should consider more quantitative language in formal settings. Synonym options include "numerous times" and "countless instances". Although it is appropriate and correct, it may not be suitable in highly formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

numerous times

Uses a direct synonym for "untold", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

countless instances

Replaces "times" with "instances", emphasizing individual occurrences. High similarity in meaning.

incalculable times

Uses "incalculable" to emphasize the inability to count the occurrences, similar to "untold".

a multitude of times

Replaces "untold" with "a multitude of", highlighting a large quantity of occurrences.

innumerable occasions

Substitutes "untold" and "times" with synonyms highlighting the uncountability of the events.

on countless occasions

Adds the preposition "on" and uses "occasions" instead of "times" to denote frequency.

repeatedly

A single word replacement capturing the essence of multiple occurrences, though less emphatic.

time and again

An idiomatic expression indicating recurrence, differing in structure but similar in impact.

over and over

Informal expression denoting repetition. Implies a more tedious or frustrating repetition.

many a time

An archaic expression meaning frequently; less common in modern usage.

FAQs

How can I use "untold times" in a sentence?

"Untold times" is typically used to describe events that have occurred very frequently. For example, "She has practiced that song "untold times" to perfect her performance".

What can I say instead of "untold times"?

You can use alternatives like "countless instances", "numerous times", or "innumerable occasions" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it more appropriate to use "untold times" or "countless times"?

Both "untold times" and "countless times" are suitable for expressing a high frequency of occurrence. The choice depends on stylistic preference, but "countless times" might be perceived as slightly more common and neutral.

Can "untold times" be used to describe negative situations?

Yes, "untold times" can describe both positive and negative situations. For example, "He had to deal with that problem "untold times" before finding a solution" illustrates a negative context.