withstood the test of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "withstood the test of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that has endured or lasted through the years without becoming outdated or obsolete. For example, "The ancient city gates have withstood the test of time, remaining almost unchanged since they were built centuries ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They've withstood the test of time.

The New York Times - Sports

It has withstood the test of time.

The Guardian

"It has not withstood the test of time.

The New York Times - Arts

TVP's songs, though, have withstood the test of time.

The Guardian - Music

Ancient ceramics have a built-in advantage because they have already withstood the test of time.

The New York Times - Books

"He is a beloved character and has withstood the test of time.

The New York Times

Votaw said the L.P.G.A. has withstood the test of time on its own terms.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's probably one of the only baseball axioms that has withstood the test of time".

The New York Times - Sports

Like the first strongpoint, the Nationalist lines have withstood the test of time almost perfectly.

Independent

His ideas about long business cycles have not withstood the test of time.

The Economist

Consequently, the core of the city built in 1718 has withstood the test of time.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "withstood the test of time", consider whether the subject has genuinely faced challenges or changes that could have rendered it obsolete. Avoid using it for things that are simply old without having been tested.

Common error

Avoid using "withstood the test of time" merely to describe something old. Ensure that the subject has actively proven its value, relevance, or durability through challenges or changing circumstances; otherwise, simply stating its age is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "withstood the test of time" functions as a descriptive idiom, often used to attribute enduring quality or relevance to a subject. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts. It typically modifies a noun, indicating that something has proven its worth over an extended period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "withstood the test of time" effectively communicates that something has proven its value, durability, or relevance over a long period. As Ludwig's AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across different contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, ensure that the subject has genuinely faced challenges or changes, warranting the claim of lasting quality. Remember that it is more appropriate to state something's age directly. The phrase "withstood the test of time" is neutral to formal and emphasizes lasting value. Its frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian showcases its reliability in describing objects, ideas, and phenomena that have truly endured.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stood the test of time

Slightly different wording, but maintains the same meaning of enduring and remaining relevant or valid.

endured over time

Focuses on the aspect of enduring or lasting through a period of time.

proven its durability

Highlights the aspect of having demonstrated long-lasting quality.

remained relevant

Emphasizes the continued importance or applicability of something.

stood the long haul

An idiomatic expression indicating perseverance and survival through challenges.

lasted the distance

Similar to 'stood the long haul', suggesting endurance and successful completion.

proven its merit

Focuses on the validation of quality or worth over a period.

survived the years

Highlights the aspect of outliving or persisting through many years.

shown lasting value

Emphasizes the sustained worth or benefit of something over time.

withstood scrutiny over the years

Emphasizes that something was carefully evaluated during years, and it has mantained its integrity.

FAQs

How can I use "withstood the test of time" in a sentence?

You can use "withstood the test of time" to describe something that has remained valuable, effective, or relevant over a long period. For example, "The principles of democracy have "stood the test of time"."

What are some alternatives to "withstood the test of time"?

Alternatives include "endured over time", "remained relevant", or "proven its durability". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "withstood the test of time and history"?

Yes, saying "withstood the test of time and history" is often redundant because "time" inherently encompasses historical periods. It is better to choose one or the other for clarity.

What makes something able to "withstand the test of time"?

Factors include inherent quality, adaptability, resilience, and continued relevance or value. Things that are adaptable and useful in many scenarios are more likely to "stand the test of time".