a time has passed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time has passed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a certain duration has elapsed since a specific event or moment. Example: "Since we last met, a time has passed, and I have missed our conversations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Ice Pilots has now stretched to three seasons, with a fourth awaiting UK broadcast, because it makes the viewer both wistful for a time when aviation was an adventure, and grateful for the fact that such a time has passed – few of us will experience the terror of bringing down a DC-3 in a foggy blizzard.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Get yourself and your friends a "time has passed and we are here to notice that" cake to enjoy.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The findings of the report by worker rights group Labour Behind the Label follow a spate of mass faintings over recent years, when groups of up to 300 at a time have passed out.

Independent

Since July 2015, when an Isis suicide bomber murdered 32 young leftist activists in the border city of Suruç, scarcely a few months at a time have passed without a city in Turkey being bombed.

The Guardian - Opinion

A: No, that time has passed.

Los Angeles Times

Initial detection of a nosocomial outbreak can sometimes occur only after a considerable time has passed since the appearance of the index case(s).

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control

Also, you can have tears of joy, say when a child is born or tears of relief when a difficult time has passed.

HuffPost

A long time has passed since I started running on an everyday basis.

The New Yorker

By Haruki Murakami A long time has passed since I started running on an everyday basis.

The New Yorker

A long time has passed since the sound "d'jew" could be heard in a conversation between characters played by Tony Roberts and Woody Allen in a Woody Allen movie.

Huffington Post

A long time has passed and yet rates have only moved in one direction: down.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a time has passed" when you want to subtly indicate that a certain period has gone by, without necessarily emphasizing the length of the duration. It's suitable for bridging narrative gaps or implying changes over time.

Common error

Avoid using "a time has passed" in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise language, such as "a specific period has elapsed", for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time has passed" functions as an introductory element or transitional phrase, often used to bridge events or describe the progression of a narrative. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a grammatically correct way to indicate the elapsing of time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a time has passed" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to denote the passage of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard expression suitable for various contexts, although more precise language might be preferable in formal or scientific writing. It serves as a useful transitional phrase, indicating that events or changes have occurred in the interim. When writing, consider the context and adjust the phrase accordingly. While generally neutral, this expression can be adapted for greater formality or conciseness by using alternatives such as "a period has elapsed" or, simply, "since then".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some time has elapsed

Replaces "a time" with "some time" and uses the more formal verb "elapsed" instead of "passed".

a period has gone by

Substitutes "time" with "period" and uses the phrasal verb "gone by" to convey the passage of time.

some time has gone by since then

Adds "since then" for emphasis and clarifies the reference point, making it more specific.

an interval has elapsed

Uses "interval" instead of "time" and "elapsed" which suggests a more measured or formal context.

a while has gone by

Replaces "time" with "while", indicating a less precise or shorter duration.

a certain duration has passed

Uses "certain duration" for a more specific, albeit vague, measure of time.

a season has passed

Substitutes "time" with "season", specifying a time period associated with natural cycles.

years have elapsed

Specifies a longer duration using "years", making the time frame explicit.

since then

Abridged version implying that time has passed. Requires a prior reference point for understanding.

time marches on

Figurative language indicating the continuous and inevitable passage of time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a time has passed" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, consider using phrases like "a period has elapsed" or "an interval has passed". These options add a layer of sophistication and precision to your writing.

What's a more concise way to say "a time has passed"?

For a more concise alternative, especially when the context is clear, you can simply say "since then". This works well when you've already established a reference point in time.

Is "a time has passed" suitable for scientific writing?

While grammatically correct, "a time has passed" might be too vague for scientific writing. It's better to specify the duration with phrases like "a significant duration has elapsed" or provide the exact time frame when possible.

How does "a time has passed" differ from "time flies"?

"A time has passed" simply states that some time has gone by, whereas "time flies" is an idiomatic expression indicating that time seems to pass quickly. The former is a neutral statement, while the latter carries a subjective feeling about the speed of time.