as I passed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as I passed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that occurs while moving past something or someone, often in a narrative context. Example: "As I passed the old bookstore, I couldn't help but remember the countless hours I spent there as a child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She smiled as I passed.

The New Yorker

As I passed him, he looked up.

The New Yorker

The Breadman's people glared at me as I passed.

The New Yorker

"Welcome to TSA PreCheck," the agent said as I passed.

The New York Times

As I passed the fourth house, my stomach sank.

The New York Times

She kept taking notes as I passed along McAlary lore.

The New York Times

I smiled and nodded hello as I passed.

The New York Times

As I passed by, he began walking beside me.

The Guardian

I'd tell her "Good afternoon" as I passed.

The New York Times

I slowed down as I passed the entryway.

The New Yorker

As I passed, she turned and looked at us.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as I passed" to create a sense of immediacy and narrative flow when describing events that occur while moving from one place to another. This phrase is especially useful in descriptive writing and storytelling.

Common error

Avoid using "as I passed" when the emphasis is on a deliberate interaction or prolonged observation. In such cases, phrases like "while I was talking" or "during my visit" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as I passed" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by indicating when an action occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in narrative contexts to describe events unfolding during movement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as I passed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial clause, primarily employed to add temporal context to narratives, and Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Its register is neutral, making it suitable for various writing styles, and it is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts. While alternatives such as "as I went by" or "while passing" exist, "as I passed" provides a clear and concise way to describe events occurring during movement. It is essential to use this phrase when the emphasis is on the action happening while moving past something or someone, rather than during a stationary interaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as I went by

Replaces "passed" with "went by", a more informal alternative.

as I moved past

A slight variation, using "moved" instead of "passed", conveying a similar sense of motion.

as I walked past

Specifies the mode of movement (walking) while passing.

while passing

Uses a participial phrase to convey a similar meaning in a more concise way.

when I passed

Substitutes "as" with "when", focusing on the timing of the action.

as I was going past

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the action of going past.

on my way past

Adds the element of direction, emphasizing movement along a route.

in passing

A more general expression indicating something happened during the act of passing.

moving past

Highlights the action of moving past something, omitting the specific subject's action.

during my passage

A more formal way of expressing the action of moving past.

FAQs

How can I use "as I passed" in a sentence?

The phrase "as I passed" introduces an action that occurs while someone is moving past something or someone. For example, "As I passed the bakery, I smelled fresh bread."

What are some alternatives to "as I passed"?

You can use alternatives like "as I went by", "while passing", or "when I passed" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "as I passed" and "as I walked by"?

While both phrases are similar, "as I passed" is more general and can apply to any mode of movement, while "as I walked by" specifically refers to walking. Therefore, "as I walked by" is more appropriate when specifying the means of transport.

Can "as I passed" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "as I passed" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, particularly in narrative contexts. However, in highly formal or technical writing, a more precise phrase might be preferable.