as it passes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it passes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs or changes over time, often in relation to a specific event or moment. Example: "The sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape as it passes behind the mountains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The firm could also benefit from inflation as it passes slightly higher prices to its customers.

Forbes

At its highest velocity, the tennis ball is just a blur as it passes by.

The New York Times - Sports

As it passes me the side door slides open.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Diners pick up what they fancy as it passes by.

The Guardian

The cocoon slips forward and receives eggs as it passes the female pores and sperm as it passes the male pores.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Baxter's fixed regard is on it as it passes, his features faintly distorted, strained by pity.

The New Yorker

Figure 1 shows a break in the flow of saving as it passes into investment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two women look out from the window of a city train as it passes through downtown.

The New Yorker

The path soon becomes a metalled road as it passes Telegraph House, shaded by beech trees.

Independent

LANs with different architectures are linked by "gateways," which convert data as it passes between systems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As it passes through Boonville, Highway 128 becomes the town's main drag.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it passes" to describe a continuous action or state that occurs while something is in motion or changing position. For clarity, ensure the subject performing the passing action is clearly defined.

Common error

Avoid using "as it passes" when you actually mean 'after it passes' or 'before it passes'. "As it passes" implies simultaneity, not sequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it passes" primarily functions as a conjunctional phrase, linking a descriptive clause to the main clause of a sentence. It modifies the action or state described in the main clause by specifying that it occurs concurrently with the passing of something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as it passes" serves as a conjunctional phrase used to indicate simultaneity during an event. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, encyclopedias, and wikis. It is essential to use it when describing actions happening concurrently with the movement or change of something else. Be sure not to confuse it with phrases like "after it passes" or "before it passes", which indicate a sequence of events. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "as it passes" to enhance the temporal context and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while it goes by

Replaces "passes" with "goes by", emphasizing the act of something moving past.

as it flows past

Particularly appropriate when discussing fluids or other flowing substances.

as it goes along

Similar meaning but suggests continuous movement or progression.

while moving through

Emphasizes the action of movement within a space or medium.

during its transit

More formal; replaces "as it passes" with a noun-based phrase focusing on the act of moving through.

when it traverses

More formal alternative, best suited for describing movement across a specific area.

in its course

More literary; replaces "as it passes" with a phrase that highlights the path or direction something takes.

as it proceeds

Emphasizes a continuous and often formal progression.

on its way

Simple and informal, suggesting a journey or path.

in passage

A more concise, often literary alternative, best used when the act of passing is emphasized.

FAQs

How can I use "as it passes" in a sentence?

Use "as it passes" to describe something happening concurrently with the movement or progression of something else. For example, "The crowd watched "as it passes" by, waving flags and cheering."

What are some alternatives to "as it passes"?

You can use alternatives such as "while it goes by", "during its transit", or "as it goes along" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "as it passes" and "after it passes"?

Yes, "as it passes" implies simultaneity, while "after it passes" indicates a sequence of events where one happens subsequent to the other. The former describes what happens during the passing; the latter, what happens following the event.

When is it incorrect to use "as it passes"?

It's incorrect to use "as it passes" when you want to describe an event that occurs either just before or immediately after something is in motion; those situations would be better described using "before it passes" or "after it passes".