already passing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already passing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is currently in the process of passing or has begun to pass at an earlier time than expected. Example: "The deadline for submissions is already passing, and we need to finalize our project soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

I said no, I'm fine, it's already passing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Companies are already passing on some of their higher fuel costs.

The Economist

Chinese companies are already passing along some of their higher costs to overseas customers.

The New York Times

The tall guy in the beard was already passing me another bag.

The New York Times

In 1991, the idea was that the excesses of the 1980s, "the designer decade", were already passing into history.

The Guardian - Opinion

The ruling socialists have been criticised by trade unions and workers for already passing draconian austerity measures aimed at saving €4.8bn by the end of the year.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Twelve years have already passed.

The New York Times

The Senate already passed the bill.

The New Yorker

"They've already passed that wicket.

The New Yorker

The bill has already passed the Indiana House of Representatives.

The New York Times

"But the chance has already passed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "already passing" to convey a sense of urgency or to emphasize that a particular stage or event has commenced sooner than expected. For example, "The storm's outer bands are already passing over the coast."

Common error

Avoid using "already passing" when you simply mean something is going to happen soon. "Already" indicates that the action is currently in progress, not merely imminent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already passing" functions as a present participle phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe an ongoing action. Ludwig's examples show its usage in describing the state of events, such as a storm's bands passing or a trend nearing its end.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "already passing" serves to describe an ongoing action that has commenced earlier than expected or is currently in progress. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. The phrase conveys a sense of urgency or immediacy, highlighting the present state of an event. Alternatives like "already underway" and "currently unfolding" offer similar meanings, but the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the temporal context; the action must be actively in progress, not merely about to begin. It is a versatile phrase for adding detail and accuracy to descriptions across various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

already underway

Highlights the commencement of an event or activity.

already in progress

Emphasizes that the action is underway.

in the process of passing

More verbose, specifying the stage of the action.

actively passing

Highlights the continuous and ongoing nature of the process.

currently happening

Replaces "passing" with a more general term for an event in progress.

now taking place

Focuses on the action's current location in time.

currently unfolding

Suggests a gradual revelation or development.

presently occurring

Similar to transpiring, but slightly less formal.

currently transpiring

Combines the emphasis on the current state with a formal term.

transpiring now

Formal and emphasizes the present occurrence.

FAQs

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

Use "already passing" to indicate that something is currently in the process of passing or has begun to pass at an earlier time than expected. For example, "The peak season is "already passing", and tourism numbers are starting to decline".

What are some alternatives to "already passing"?

Alternatives include "currently happening", "already in progress", or "currently unfolding", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "already passing" or "already passed"?

"Already passing" indicates an ongoing action, while "already passed" indicates a completed action. The correct choice depends on whether the action is still in progress or has finished.

What's the difference between "already passing" and "just starting"?

"Already passing" indicates that something is nearing its end or is well underway, while "just starting" indicates the very beginning of an action or event.