Two hours have gone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Two hours have gone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a duration of two hours has passed since a specific point in time. Example: "Two hours have gone since we started the meeting, and we still haven't reached a conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

What could they have meant by this?' And pretty soon, two hours have gone by".

The New York Times - Magazine

Before you know it, two hours have gone by and you haven't gotten any work done.

The Guardian

Before long, two hours have gone by, so you start worrying about how late it is.

The Guardian

Almost two hours have gone by since Mary went sidling between the car and the cinder-block side of the Quik-Pik.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

After two hours had gone by, management was becoming anxious.

The New York Times - Sports

But he deduced that the Titanic had gone down when two hours had gone by without any telegraph messages.

The New York Times

Sometimes I glance at the clock and four hours have gone by.

The New York Times

Somehow ten hours have gone by and now Whitney has to get ready for the party.

Vice

We would end up talking on the phone and realize that three hours had gone by.

The New York Times

"You would look at your watch and then think that three hours had gone by.

The New York Times

By now, some eight hours had gone by, and waiters brought the leaders plates of food while they talked.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase “Two hours have gone,” ensure that the context clearly establishes the starting point from which the two-hour duration is measured.

Common error

Avoid using "gone" when "passed" is more appropriate for clarity and directness. While "Two hours have gone" is correct, "Two hours have passed" can sound more natural in certain contexts. Consider the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Two hours have gone" functions as a statement indicating the passage of time. It implies that a duration of two hours has elapsed since a specific point. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Two hours have gone" is a grammatically correct way to express the passage of time. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English to indicate that two hours have elapsed since a particular point. Although Ludwig AI suggests that the expression is correct, the phrase is less common than alternatives like "Two hours have passed". It is most frequently found in News & Media, indicating its suitability for general narratives and reports. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the starting point from which the two-hour duration is measured to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Two hours have passed

Replaces the verb "gone" with "passed" for a more direct statement of time elapsed.

Two hours have elapsed

Uses "elapsed", a more formal synonym for "passed", to indicate the time that has passed.

A couple of hours have gone by

Uses "a couple of hours" for a less precise measurement of time.

It has been two hours

Changes the sentence structure to focus on the duration rather than the action of time passing.

Two hours have slipped away

Emphasizes the unnoticed or rapid passing of time.

The time has progressed by two hours

A more formal and somewhat less common way to express the passage of time.

Two hours are now over

Indicates that the duration of two hours is complete.

Two hours are in the past

Highlights that the time is no longer in the present.

Two hours have run their course

Suggests that the allotted time has fully expired.

We are two hours later

Shifts the focus to the current time relative to a past event.

FAQs

How can I use "Two hours have gone" in a sentence?

You can use "Two hours have gone" to indicate that a duration of two hours has passed since a specific event or point in time. For example, "Two hours have gone since we started the meeting, and we still haven't reached a conclusion."

What can I say instead of "Two hours have gone"?

You can use alternatives like "Two hours have passed" or "Two hours have elapsed" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Which is correct, "Two hours have gone" or "Two hours have passed"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "Two hours have passed" is often considered more direct and common in general usage. "Two hours have gone" might be preferred when emphasizing the process of time elapsing.

What’s the difference between "Two hours have gone" and "It has been two hours"?

"Two hours have gone" focuses on the act of time passing, while "It has been two hours" simply states the duration that has elapsed. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the process or the result.