vicissitudes of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"vicissitudes of time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the ever-changing and unpredictable changes, events, or circumstances of life. For example, you could say "The vicissitudes of time have brought about many positive changes in society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Her style loosened into soft, feathery forms befitting the vicissitudes of time and intimacy.

The New York Times - Arts

The first is described by Rosenzweig as the eternal way; the Christian peoples seek in the vicissitudes of time and history the way to salvation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's roughly what Freund's photographs suggest too: her attempt to inoculate herself against the vicissitudes of time through the lens of a camera.

The New York Times - Arts

They provide a language to talk about the kind of behaviour and, importantly, experience that seems resistant to the vicissitudes of time and which cultural transmission would otherwise erode.

The Guardian - Opinion

These evolved into considerably larger painted papier-mâché and cardboard works whose fragmentary shapes and distressed surfaces had an ancient mien, as if they had survived the vicissitudes of time.

The New York Times - Arts

Signed and dated, the image of a man famous in his time but now forgotten is in impeccable condition, which further enhances its rarity — few German Renaissance paintings have so well withstood the vicissitudes of time.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

If history is written for the present, not the past, then the quest for the historical Bible becomes an unending endeavor subject to the vicissitudes of times, talents and testimonies.

The New York Times - Books

Watching it during the recent Tribeca Film Festival brought me into a more visceral contact with the vicissitudes of geologic time than I might have really wanted.

The New York Times - Science

There is a power to this book that will remain with readers long after they complete it, and I highly recommend it to people of all faiths". "A sparkling example of how saints can arise from the vicissitudes of their time.

Cornell University

Having painted them throughout the duration of the Peace Angels Project, they capture the vicissitudes of the time that they were painted.

HuffPost

Part of us, amid the vicissitudes of the times, in all our despair about the future and insecurity, seeks refuge from the reality of the world in such soothing examples of the New Boring, making the real business of late capitalism easier.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "vicissitudes of time" to add a touch of formality and sophistication to your writing when discussing the challenges and changes brought about by the passage of time. It's particularly effective in literary or historical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "vicissitudes of time" in overly casual or informal contexts. The phrase carries a weight of history and change, and might sound out of place in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vicissitudes of time" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes the fluctuating and unpredictable nature of the effects of time. Ludwig's examples showcase this in various contexts, emphasizing the transformations and challenges that time brings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vicissitudes of time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe the unpredictable changes and challenges that occur as time passes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. The phrase is best suited for formal settings and carries a sophisticated connotation. Related phrases such as "challenges of time" or "vagaries of time" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, avoid overly casual contexts to maintain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vagaries of time

Similar to vicissitudes, but emphasizes the unpredictable and erratic nature of time's effects.

challenges of time

Focuses on the difficulties and problems that arise over a period.

changes of time

A more straightforward way to describe the alterations and shifts that occur as time passes.

events of time

Highlights specific occurrences and incidents that happen as time progresses.

trials of time

Focuses on the tests and hardships that something or someone endures over time.

twists of time

Emphasizes the unexpected and surprising turns that events can take over time.

problems of time

Highlights specific issues and difficulties related to the passage of time.

complications of time

Points out the increasing complexity and difficulties introduced by the passage of time.

contingencies of time

Emphasizes the uncertain and conditional aspects of future events dependent on time.

ups and downs of time

Highlights that in the path of time there are both good and bad events.

FAQs

How can I use "vicissitudes of time" in a sentence?

You can use "vicissitudes of time" to refer to the unpredictable changes and challenges that occur over a long period. For instance, "The ancient castle had withstood the "vicissitudes of time", remaining a testament to a bygone era".

What are some alternatives to "vicissitudes of time"?

Some alternatives include "challenges of time", "vagaries of time", or "trials of time". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "vicissitudes of time" a formal or informal expression?

"Vicissitudes of time" is generally considered a more formal expression, suitable for academic, literary, or historical contexts. It's less common in casual conversation.

What does the phrase "vicissitudes of time" emphasize?

The phrase "vicissitudes of time" emphasizes the unpredictable and often challenging nature of the changes and events that occur as time passes. It suggests that life is subject to both favorable and unfavorable shifts.