all things must pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all things must pass" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common idiom that means everything is temporary and will eventually come to an end. Example: After experiencing a difficult breakup, Sarah found comfort in reminding herself that all things must pass.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All things must pass.

The New York Times - Arts

All things must pass eventually.

Independent

Yet all things must pass.

The Guardian - Sport

But all things must pass, and a series of exciting new challengers to Mr Cross's title have emerged.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A turquoise ring on one finger provides a taunting suggestion of permanence in a world in which all things must pass.

The New Yorker

George Harrison said it best: "All things must pass".

TechCrunch

"As George Harrison once said, all things must pass," said Ross.

BBC

Of course, all things must pass.

Huffington Post

All things must pass, and that's not all bad.

Huffington Post

But on the assumption that all things must pass, I'm guessing that, like "Frasier," its streak ends at five.

Los Angeles Times

We love people, situations, and moments deeply, but like George Harrison said so wisely, "All things must pass".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all things must pass" to offer a philosophical perspective on temporary setbacks or endings. It provides comfort and encourages acceptance of change.

Common error

Avoid using "all things must pass" as an excuse for inaction. While it acknowledges impermanence, it should not discourage efforts to improve or maintain situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all things must pass" functions as an idiom, serving as a concise expression of the transient nature of existence. It's used to acknowledge that situations, feelings, and even life itself are temporary, a concept supported by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all things must pass" is a grammatically correct and commonly used idiom that expresses the transient nature of life, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions to offer comfort and perspective in times of change or difficulty. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, remember to avoid misinterpreting it as a reason for inaction, but rather as an encouragement to accept the cyclical nature of existence. Consider alternatives like "nothing lasts forever" or "this too shall pass" for similar meanings. The examples curated by Ludwig highlight its philosophical depth and practical applicability in understanding life's impermanence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this too shall pass

Offers comfort and reassurance that current difficulties are temporary.

nothing remains the same

Stresses the continuous alteration and evolution of everything.

nothing lasts forever

Highlights the finite duration of all things, focusing on the concept of eternity.

all is transient

Focuses on the fleeting nature of existence and experiences.

the only constant is change

Emphasizes that change is the one thing that never changes.

everything is fleeting

Emphasizes the temporary nature of all experiences and conditions.

it won't last

Directly states the impermanence of a situation or feeling.

impermanence is inherent

Highlights the intrinsic characteristic of impermanence in all things.

time heals all wounds

Suggests that emotional pain diminishes over time.

seasons change

Illustrates the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of change.

FAQs

What does "all things must pass" mean?

The idiom "all things must pass" signifies that everything is temporary and subject to change or end. It's a reminder that both good and bad times are not permanent.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "all things must pass"?

It's appropriate to use "all things must pass" when discussing the inevitability of change, offering comfort during difficult times, or reflecting on the transient nature of life's experiences.

What can I say instead of "all things must pass"?

You can use alternatives like "nothing lasts forever", "this too shall pass", or "everything is fleeting" depending on the context.

Is "all things will pass" grammatically correct instead of "all things must pass"?

While "all things will pass" is grammatically correct, "all things must pass" carries a stronger sense of inevitability and is the more commonly used idiom.