Lost to time vs Lost in time

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings and are used in different contexts. 'Lost to time' implies that something has been forgotten or erased by the passage of time, while 'lost in time' suggests being trapped or stuck in a particular time period. The choice between the two depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Last updated: April 09, 2024 • 900 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to convey the idea that something has been forgotten or erased by the passage of time.

"Lost to time"

This phrase is used to describe something that has been lost or forgotten as time passes. It implies that the memory or existence of something has faded away over time.

Examples:

The ancient civilization was lost to time, with only ruins remaining as evidence of its existence.
Her name was lost to time, and no one remembered who she was.
The story of the lost city was lost to time, becoming a mere legend.
The details of the event were lost to time, leaving only vague recollections.
The truth behind the mystery was lost to time, never to be uncovered.

Show examples from the web [+]

The key is a word lost to time.
It's an ancient language long lost to time.
The location has been lost to time.
Unearth treasures lost to time in this exhilarating adventure!
You can still find "Alice Brooks" patterns today but whoever the original designers were is usually lost to time.
I thought that clock was lost to time, and yet you have found one of them.
I can't find my path I've strayed too far Longing for the past, lost to time The image I had of you was so strong

Alternatives:

forgotten by time
erased by time
faded away over time
vanished with time
obscured by the passage of time

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to convey the idea of being trapped or stuck in a particular time period.

"Lost in time"

This phrase is used to describe a situation where something or someone is stuck or trapped in a specific time period, unable to move forward or backward.

Examples:

The time traveler found himself lost in time, unable to return to his own era.
The old photograph seemed lost in time, capturing a moment frozen in the past.
The ancient artifact appeared lost in time, with no clear origin or purpose.
The abandoned mansion felt lost in time, as if it belonged to a different era.
The classic novel transports readers to a world lost in time, far removed from modern society.

Show examples from the web [+]

It could be lost in time.
The meanings... lost in time.
Njor gets lost in time and becomes his own lover.
The history of the Ionian Islands is lost in time.
Our friends are lost in time.
Game-playing reveries, lost in time, mischievous time.
Armenia is a land still unexplored and lost in time.
It is an interesting archaeological site whose memory is lost in time.
When the Roman Empire falls, the building is simply lost in time.
But maybe... you were lost in time once and...
The series followed the heroes' journey to find Batman who was lost in time following Final Crisis.
Mr. Cole is lost in time, and he will remain there unless we can power our machine.
The box has been hidden away for centuries, lost In time, never meant to be discovered.
Mount Amiata, thanks to its unique geological aspect, volcanic origins and its long history of settlements that is lost in time, seems the perfect place to continue these studies in Italy.
If we consider the Hypogeum of Cividale to be a temple of Mother Earth whose date has been lost in time, we must consider that this cult was usually conducted by priestesses.
It's an event dedicated to the spring and the rebirth that is lost in time and has survived wars and clashes.
A place where the sound of silence penetrates your soul and drags you to search memories now lost in time whose truths are forever hidden in the ancient boundaries.
About a year after the events of Master Wu being lost in time, Lloyd Garmadon encounters a group of skilled biker-themed thugs who steal one of the three prized Oni Masks (The Mask of Vengeance) from a vault in Borg Industries.
The origin of Bauta is lost in time: the use of this mask, by men and women, has intensified since the eighteenth century and continued into modern Carnival.
It would be wonderful to revive all the incredible footage of taste that we lost in time. It's a pity, since today it is much easier to open a Japanese restaurants chain than to cook a perfect okroshka.

Alternatives:

trapped in a time period
stuck in the past
immersed in a different era
frozen in time
captured in a specific time frame

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany