The mistaken use of words or phrases is unavoidable. And sometimes, those mistakes are widespread; take the phrase “in the essence of time”, for example.
People usually use the phrase when they suggest moving on to a different topic in a conversation.
However, the origin of it shows that the phrase possibly came from a fault.
Let’s discuss all of it in this post!
In the Essence of Time Meaning
When someone uses the expression “in the essence of time”, what they’re saying is, “Let’s talk about something else” or “Let’s move on”.
People use it in conversations to transition from one topic to another, usually because the current topic has been discussed enough.
Origin of In the Essence of Time
The phrase is not necessarily correct, though.
When I looked for it in a dictionary, the closest phrase I could find is “time is of the essence”, which is used when there’s something to do right away, with a sense of urgency.
Therefore, “in the essence of time” could originate from “time is of the essence” mixed with “in the interest of saving time”.
Looking at the graph from Google Ngram Viewer above, you can see that the original phrase is used more than the one blended with another phrase.
So, if you have heard someone say “in the essence of time” and did not understand it, it’s not on you!
Example Conversations Using In the Essence of Time
Even though the phrase could be mistaken for another phrase, many still say it.
So let’s see how they use it in some example conversations below:
Conversation 1
Ruby: How was your date last night?
Luna: It was amazing. She’s really sweet, and we may have a second date next week.
Ruby: Aww, I’m happy for you. Look at you; you’re blushing!
Luna: I am not?! In the essence of time, have you finished your science project?
Ruby: What science project?
Luna: Ruby, I was rooting for you. It’s due in two days, you know.
Ruby: I’m joking, mine is done, and hopefully, the teacher agrees it’s a masterpiece.
Conversation 2
Reyna: Thank you for coming, Anna.
Anna: No skin off my teeth. I can’t stand at home any longer today anyway.
Reyna: Oh, what happened?
Anna: The neighbour is renovating her house, and it’s so loud, my ears are bleeding.
Reyna: That sounds awful.
Anna: It does. But in the essence of time, let’s see what I can help with your homework.
Reyna: It’s math, your stronger’s suit, so I think you can help a lot.
Anna: Haha, you flatter me, Reyna. Thank you.
Conversation 3
Ron: The latest homework assignment is challenging, isn’t it?
Harry: It was really hard. I spent hours trying to figure it out.
Ron: Yeah, same. I hope the teacher gives us some extra credit for it.
Harry: I doubt it. They’re really strict about their grading.
Ron: You’re probably right. Well, in the essence of time, what do you want to do after school today?
Harry: I was thinking about going to the park. Do you want to come with me?
Ron: Sure, that sounds like fun. Let’s meet up at the park after school.
Wrapping Up
Language is dynamic. What is not considered correct today may change in the future.
But for now, if you want to use a phrase to help you change a conversation topic, you can substitute it with “pivot to a different topic” and “let’s shift gears and talk about something else”.
Or you know, maybe you can just say, “Let’s change the topic?”.
