How swiftly time elapses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "How swiftly time elapses" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a sense of how quickly time seems to pass, often in a reflective or poetic context. Example: "As I look back on my childhood, I can't help but think, how swiftly time elapses."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

HOW swiftly times change.

The Economist

How much time elapses between Mr Collins's proposal to Elizabeth and his proposal to Charlotte Lucas?

The Guardian - Books

LivePerson software can sense when a customer is lost by keeping track of how many times he types in a wrong entry (such as the wrong password), or by calculating how much time elapses between keystrokes.

Forbes

"The new generation must be made to feel that no matter how much time elapses they will be welcomed and treated with respect in the land of their parents," Namazi wrote in 1998.

Huffington Post

Autonomy: how much time elapses from when the PCM modules are put in the box, until the inside of the box reaches 8ºC.

Unicef

Mr. Morello said he did not know how much time elapsed before he died.

The New York Times

* How much time elapsed before rescue workers did use a defibrillator to try to resuscitate him?

The New York Times - Sports

It's unclear how much time elapsed between the two videos.

The Washington Post

It is unclear how much time elapsed before each rug was noticed missing.

The New York Times

Asked how much time elapsed before his frustration subsided, Smith started to speak, stopped, then said: "Things happen in sports.

The New York Times - Sports

Fire officials are investigating how much time elapsed between the discovery of the fire and the call to 911, said Jim Long, a department spokesman.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "How swiftly time elapses" to introduce a reflective observation about change or the passage of time, especially when contrasting past and present situations. It's suitable for both formal and informal writing, adding a touch of contemplative depth.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "How swiftly time elapses" can sound overly formal or poetic in everyday conversation. Opt for more natural alternatives like "Time flies" or "Things change quickly" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "How swiftly time elapses" functions as an exclamatory observation about the rapid passage of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. The adverb 'swiftly' modifies 'elapses', creating an emphatic expression.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "How swiftly time elapses" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a sense of rapid time progression. While less common in everyday conversation, as determined by Ludwig, it serves well in formal or reflective contexts to introduce observations about change over time. Consider using more common alternatives like "time flies" for casual settings. Despite its infrequent usage, the phrase maintains a level of sophistication, appropriate for nuanced expression in writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

How quickly time passes

Focuses on the speed of time's passage.

How rapidly time goes by

Emphasizes the pace at which time progresses.

How fast things change

Highlights the rapid rate of change rather than just the passage of time.

How soon everything changes

Indicates that changes occur in a short period.

How fleeting time is

Captures the ephemeral nature of time.

How swiftly moments fly

Uses a more poetic and evocative language.

How quickly fortunes shift

Specific to changes in luck or circumstances.

The transience of time

Abstract noun phrase referring to the impermanence of time.

How time marches on

Suggests an inexorable and relentless passage of time.

How time slips away

Implies a gradual and often unnoticed passing of time.

FAQs

What does "How swiftly time elapses" mean?

The phrase "How swiftly time elapses" expresses the idea that time passes quickly, often unexpectedly. It suggests a rapid progression from one moment or period to another.

Is "How swiftly time elapses" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "How swiftly time elapses" is grammatically correct. "Swiftly" is an adverb modifying the verb "elapses", and the sentence structure is a rhetorical exclamation about time's passage.

Are there more common alternatives to "How swiftly time elapses"?

Yes, more common alternatives include "time flies", "how quickly time passes", or "how fast time goes by". These are more frequently used in everyday conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "How swiftly time elapses"?

Use "How swiftly time elapses" in writing or speech where you want to convey a sense of rapid change or the quick passing of time, often with a reflective or slightly formal tone. It works well in essays, narratives, or speeches.