a passing fancy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passing fancy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is temporary or not serious, often referring to a fleeting interest or attraction. Example: "Her interest in painting was just a passing fancy; she soon returned to her original passion for photography."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe just a passing fancy.

The New Yorker

Otherwise, they were a passing fancy.

The New York Times

Others see it as a passing fancy.

The New York Times

This is not a passing fancy or a minor infatuation.

The New York Times - Sports

"I thought it would be a passing fancy.

The New York Times

"But it may have been a passing fancy".

The New York Times

"Sustainable Operations Management: An Enduring Stream or a Passing Fancy?" Special Issue on the Environment.

Harvard University

The guitar she had left behind in Brooklyn wasn't a passing fancy.

The New York Times - Arts

In "Madame Butterfly", Lieutenant Pinkerton always regarded his liaison as no more than a passing fancy.

The Economist

But, five years on, Twitter cannot be dismissed as a passing fancy.

Independent

What at first seemed a passing fancy between us slowly heated up.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure clarity, use "a passing fancy" when the temporary nature of something is key to the point you're making. Avoid when describing something deeply meaningful.

Common error

Avoid using "a passing fancy" to describe something that holds significant value or long-term impact. This phrase diminishes the importance of the subject and can undermine your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passing fancy" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. It describes something that is temporary or not taken seriously. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a passing fancy" is a commonly used noun phrase denoting a temporary or superficial interest. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and general discourse. Its function is to diminish the importance or longevity of something. Alternative phrases like "fleeting interest" or "temporary infatuation" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding its application to subjects of significant or enduring value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transient fancy

Synonymous, but emphasizing the temporary nature.

fleeting interest

Emphasizes the brief duration of the interest.

temporary infatuation

Highlights the short-lived and often intense nature of the attraction.

brief fascination

Stresses the captivating but short-term nature of the interest.

short-lived enthusiasm

Focuses on the transient excitement associated with the subject.

momentary attraction

Underscores the spur-of-the-moment quality of the interest.

casual interest

Suggests a lack of deep involvement or commitment.

superficial attraction

Implies the interest is only skin-deep.

ephemeral whim

Highlights the fleeting and capricious nature of the interest.

short-term dalliance

Suggests a brief and not very serious involvement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a passing fancy" to describe a fleeting interest or attraction. For example, "His interest in collecting stamps was just "a passing fancy", and he quickly moved on to something else."

What's a good alternative to "a passing fancy"?

Alternatives include "fleeting interest", "temporary infatuation", or "brief fascination", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a passing fancy" in formal writing?

Yes, "a passing fancy" is appropriate in formal writing, but be mindful of the context. It's suitable when describing something of a temporary or trivial nature, but not for subjects of great importance.

What's the difference between "a passing fancy" and "an enduring passion"?

"A passing fancy" describes something temporary and superficial, while "an enduring passion" signifies a long-lasting and deep-seated interest or love. They are contrasting concepts.