a passing event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passing event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an occurrence that is temporary or not lasting, often implying that it is not significant in the long term. Example: "The rain was just a passing event, and soon the sun came out again."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Arrowheads and asterisks mark examples of encounters that are associated with RNP reversal or a passing event, respectively.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Under the consideration that not all genes within a pathway can pass Θ, MUDPAC measures the possibility of passing event for genes inside the pathway and applies this possibility to the genes outside the pathway while performing imputation, i.e., imputation will be only carried out when a passing event happens.

BMC Genomics

In the long run it is difficult to be sure whether a particular type of collective behaviour actually makes a difference or whether it is merely a shadow cast by passing events.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unlike the earlier studies, which used volunteer riders to record passing events, this study used a naturalistic study design to record passing events where none of the motorists or the cyclists were aware of being studied.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

As a result, this study captured the 'true' driving and riding behaviours during passing events.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

In particular the results of train passing events at three different speed combinations are presented.

Computers & Structures

There isn't a single passing event on the news agenda that can't be turned into a would-be-caustic tweet of under 140 characters.

Independent

The vibration from a passing train forms a transient event, which limits the usefulness of steady-state frequency domain models.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

I can never again approach "The Group" with the same feeling of excitement, knowing that its "imaginary" events and people bear more than a passing resemblance to events and people from McCarthy's own life, that the novel's dialogue may accurately reflect conversations McCarthy participated in or even initiated.

The New York Times - Books

Chaim Dajczman, principal of Thelma Yellin High School for the Arts in Tel Aviv, said he would bring the topic up in his weekly meetings with students in grades 10, 11 and 12. "We can't pass an event so extreme and go on as usual," Mr. Dajczman said.

The New York Times

"This whole corner will be going mad on the day," says Dave, who shakes his head in disbelief at the prospect of such a major event passing his doorstep.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a passing event" to describe something that is temporary and does not have a lasting impact. For example, "The economic downturn was just "a passing event" in the country's long-term growth."

Common error

Avoid using "a passing event" to describe a major historical turning point or significant personal milestone, as it downplays the event's importance. For example, it would be inappropriate to call World War II "a passing event".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passing event" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an occurrence that is temporary or not lasting. Ludwig AI identifies instances where this phrase is used in scientific articles and news reports to refer to occurrences that are brief or inconsequential.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a passing event" is a phrase used to describe a temporary or inconsequential occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears in a range of contexts from scientific literature to news media, indicating its versatility. While generally grammatically correct and widely understood, its appropriateness depends on the specific context and the intended emphasis. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific aspect you want to highlight – whether it's brevity, insignificance, or impermanence. Understanding these nuances will help you use the phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fleeting incident

Focuses on the brevity and temporary nature of the occurrence.

a transient occurrence

Highlights the short duration and non-permanent quality of the event.

a temporary episode

Emphasizes that the event is not ongoing or continuous.

a momentary happening

Stresses the brief duration of the event.

a brief occasion

Underlines the limited time span of the event.

a short-lived phenomenon

Indicates that the event did not last for a significant period.

an inconsequential matter

Shifts the focus to the perceived unimportance or lack of impact of the event.

a negligible incident

Highlights that the event had little to no discernible effect.

an unimportant occurrence

Stresses the lack of significance or consequence of the event.

a routine matter

Suggests the event is ordinary and not out of the ordinary.

FAQs

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

You can use "a passing event" to describe something that is temporary or not significant. For instance: "The summer storm was just "a passing event", and the sun returned quickly."

What are some alternatives to "a passing event"?

Alternatives include "a fleeting incident", "a transient occurrence", or "a temporary episode", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a passing event"?

It's appropriate when describing something that is not expected to last or have a lasting effect. However, be mindful not to use it for events that are clearly significant or impactful.

Is "a passing event" formal or informal language?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might exist depending on the specific situation.