a passing episode

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passing episode" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or temporary event or experience that is not significant in the long term. Example: "The argument they had was just a passing episode in their otherwise happy relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Will history see the years of "Atlanticism" as a passing episode, before America turns to a manifest destiny elsewhere?

The New York Times - Magazine

But this was not a passing episode that a schedule full of distractions and medication could assuage.

The New York Times - Magazine

Levin, the character whose life becomes the opposite pole from Anna's in the novel, and his beloved Kitty become merely a passing episode early in the first act.

The New York Times - Arts

The royal government and Parliament began to re-establish the normal processes of government after the revolt; as the historian Michael Postan describes, the uprising was in many ways a "passing episode".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

At this point, the series finale is looking more and more like a mercy killing with every passing episode, and as someone who enjoyed the froth and frivolity of the first two seasons, that depresses me more than a little.

Huffington Post

In the 1950s Scotland voted en masse for the Tories' sister party, the Unionists; Labourite hegemony may prove a passing historical episode, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

For some reason this amplifies with every passing episode: B&B owners, apparently, despite a major facet of their job being "greeting people at the door", are incapable of greeting people at the door, and it only gets worse as the series goes on.

Vice

Masters of Sex is the show you want to love and yet with every passing episode, there's one less reason to try.

Independent

Things get bleaker and bleaker with almost every passing episode, to the point where it's been described as one of the most authentic shows ever made about depression and self-loathing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So the hours are also the novel's collected moments, the passing episodes of a day that can be made into a narrative.

The Guardian - Books

If protests fail to come up with political alternatives that people are ready to support, they are doomed to remain simply passing episodes that those participating in might one day nostalgically recall as a beautiful one-night stand with democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a passing episode" to downplay the significance of an event, especially when contrasting it with more important or lasting developments. This is useful in narratives and analyses where you want to provide perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "a passing episode" when describing events that have significant or long-term consequences. This phrase is best suited for minor, inconsequential occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passing episode" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object, describing the nature of an event or situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it characterizes something as temporary and not particularly important.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a passing episode" is a noun phrase used to describe a brief and insignificant event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, primarily in news, media, and general discussions. It serves to downplay the importance of an occurrence, framing it as temporary. While its usage is relatively rare, understanding its function and appropriate contexts can enhance precision in writing and communication. Its neutral register makes it versatile, fitting in analytical and narrative scenarios where minimizing an event's significance is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a temporary occurrence

Focuses on the brief duration or nature of the event.

a brief incident

Highlights the short and self-contained nature of the event.

a fleeting moment

Emphasizes the quick and transient aspect of the event.

a short-lived event

Directly states that the event did not last long.

a transient phase

Implies the event is part of a larger change and is not permanent.

a momentary blip

Suggests a minor and insignificant deviation from the norm.

a temporal event

Highlights the limited time frame associated with the occurrence.

a one-time occurrence

Suggests that this particular situation will not be repeated.

a non-recurring event

Emphasizes that the event is not expected to happen again.

a vanishing instance

Portrays the event as something that disappears quickly.

FAQs

What does "a passing episode" mean?

The phrase "a passing episode" refers to a brief or temporary event that is not considered significant or long-lasting.

How can I use "a passing episode" in a sentence?

You might say, "The political unrest was just "a passing episode" in the country's history", indicating it was a short-lived event with no lasting impact.

What are some alternatives to "a passing episode"?

Alternatives include "a fleeting moment", "a brief incident", or "a temporary occurrence", depending on the specific context.

Is "a passing episode" formal or informal?

The phrase "a passing episode" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in written or spoken narratives and analyses.