a passing phase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passing phase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary situation or trend that is not expected to last long. Example: "Many teenagers go through a phase of rebellion, but it's often just a passing phase as they mature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

'It's a passing phase.

The Guardian

Nor was this a passing phase.

The New York Times - Books

I knew it was a passing phase.

The Guardian - Music

This is just a passing phase.

The New York Times

American hostility to the consideration of foreign law, she said, "is a passing phase".

The New York Times

Perhaps, she thinks, this indicates he was simply in a passing phase.

The New York Times - Magazine

Still, as Dahl also understands, nostalgia only goes so far, for childhood is a passing phase.

The New Yorker

They wonder if, or perhaps hope, this is a passing phase.

The New York Times

It's only a passing phase and will be followed by other phases very shortly".

The New Yorker

John retains a willful belief that his daughter's obsession is a passing phase.

The New York Times

Proper national policy and guidance will drive and sustain the issue, making sure it doesn't become a passing phase.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a passing phase", ensure that the context clearly indicates what phenomenon is temporary. For example, "The initial excitement was just a passing phase.".

Common error

Avoid dismissing potentially serious issues as "a passing phase" without proper evaluation. What may seem temporary could be indicative of a deeper problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passing phase" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or an object of a preposition. It identifies or describes a temporary period or stage, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

6%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a passing phase" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something temporary or transient. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in news and media to characterize trends, behaviors, or situations that are not expected to last. While versatile, it's important to use this phrase with caution, especially when dealing with potentially serious issues that should not be easily dismissed. Remember to consider the context and avoid using it to downplay significant concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a temporary trend

Focuses on the characteristic of being a trend rather than a general state.

a transient period

Emphasizes the limited duration of the phase.

a short-lived fad

Highlights the characteristic of being a popular but quickly fading enthusiasm.

a fleeting moment

Stresses the brevity and quick disappearance of the occurrence.

a momentary stage

Indicates a specific point within a process that doesn't last long.

an ephemeral state

Highlights the characteristic of being very temporary and light.

a brief interlude

Suggests a short break or interruption that is not permanent.

a one-time occurrence

Emphasizes the singularity and non-repeatable nature of the event.

a provisional situation

Focuses on the tentative and subject-to-change aspect of the circumstances.

a non-lasting condition

Underscores the impermanence and eventual disappearance of the condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a passing phase" to describe something that is temporary or not expected to last long. For example, "His interest in collecting stamps was just "a passing phase"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a passing phase"?

Alternatives to "a passing phase" include phrases like "a temporary trend", "a transient period", or "a short-lived fad", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to describe someone's mental health struggles as "a passing phase"?

Describing mental health struggles as "a passing phase" can be dismissive and harmful. It's important to approach mental health with sensitivity and seek professional help instead of assuming it's temporary.

What's the difference between "a phase" and "a passing phase"?

"A phase" simply refers to a stage or period. Adding "passing" emphasizes the temporary nature of that stage, indicating it's not expected to last long. Therefore "a passing phase" is specifically a temporary phase.