time will tell vs time can tell

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Time will tell' is a common idiom used to suggest that the outcome of a situation will become clear as time passes. On the other hand, 'time can tell' is less common and implies that time has the ability to reveal something, but it is not as idiomatic as 'time will tell'.

Last updated: March 28, 2024 • 875 views

This phrase is a common idiom used to suggest that the outcome of a situation will become clear as time passes.

"time will tell"

This phrase is used to indicate that the truth or result of something will be known in the future as time progresses.

Examples:

I'm not sure if they will succeed, but time will tell.
We can't predict the outcome now, but time will tell who was right.
Time will tell whether this project will be successful or not.

Show examples from the web [+]

The actual implementation phase is yet to begin and time will tell whether or not this will strengthen the rights of Parliament.
Advanced engines, larger fans, ale hybrid, half less noise and fuel used: the manta-ray promises, time will tell if he will be able to maintain.
We have established on previous experience with an emphasis on better satisfaction of our guests. Whether we are successful, time will tell, and that you will join us again like to return.
Time will tell if and when this may be possible.
If indeed we'll gather enough material for a whole album with vocals, and whether it will be with lyrics or not, will it be composed or mostly free, time will tell.
Time will tell, I suppose.
Taking that scenario into consideration, time will tell that Norway will open up to online gambling
Time will tell who'll win out.
Time will tell, it always does.
Time will tell which one it is.
Time will tell whether it is beneficial for consumers.
Time will tell whether Member States' supervisory authorities have sufficient capacity to understand these models.
Time will tell whether Nabucco will play its part in the European Union's foreign and security policy.
Time will tell if Bloomberg actually will incur a charge some sections of its financial information website.
Time will tell and we'll have to wait until July 2010 to see what will happen.
Time will tell... it certainly will, sometime in this Kali Yuga.
Time will tell, but we already have some indications of that today.
Time will tell whether, as Mr Verheugen and I hope, the competitiveness of this community can withstand that.
Time will tell whether Fu Chi SlotoCash will find its place in the sun, since the Realtime Gaming product is yet to be released.
Time will tell whether this law has really simplified the life and job of wine producers.

Alternatives:

only time will tell
we'll see
the truth will come out in time
the answer will reveal itself with time
time will reveal the truth

This phrase implies that time has the ability to reveal something, but it is not as idiomatic as 'time will tell'.

"time can tell"

This phrase can be used to suggest that time has the potential to disclose information or reveal the truth, but it is less commonly used than 'time will tell'.

Examples:

Time can tell us a lot about a person's character.
I believe time can tell us whether this decision was the right one.
Time can tell the difference between genuine and fake relationships.

Alternatives:

time has the ability to reveal
time can disclose
time can unveil
time can expose
time can bring to light

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time will tell vs time can tell

"time will tell"

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