as time goes by

USAGE SUMMARY

"as time goes by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to refer to the passage of time, and is often used to express a feeling of nostalgia. For example, "As time goes by, I look back fondly at my childhood memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As time goes by, that belief grows.

The Economist

"But it's inevitable as time goes by.

The Guardian

We're all changing as time goes by".

The New York Times

"As time goes by, people forget," Pitt told me.

The New Yorker

As time goes by more will be revealed".

The Guardian

THE fundamental things apply, as time goes by.

The Economist

Yet journalists seldom reduce their estimates as time goes by.

The Economist

The political scene changes as time goes by.

The New York Times - Arts

As time goes by, everything decays in various ways".

The New York Times

"But sometimes, as time goes by, people come forward.

The New York Times

They are just paid out as time goes by.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as time goes by", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. It's particularly effective when reflecting on changes, developments, or the unfolding of events over a period.

Common error

Avoid using "as time goes by" when a more precise or specific timeframe is needed. This phrase is best suited for general references to the passage of time, not for situations requiring exact dates or deadlines.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as time goes by" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying a verb or clause by indicating when something happens or changes. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in reflecting on developments and changes over a period. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s a valid phrase to use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as time goes by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as an adverbial phrase of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various writing contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, it effectively conveys the passage of time and its effects. Consider using related alternatives like "over time" or "with the passage of time" for stylistic variation. The phrase's neutral register makes it widely applicable, but awareness of its general connotation is key to prevent misapplication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over time

A shorter, more concise way of saying "as time goes by", suitable for many contexts where brevity is preferred.

with the passage of time

Replaces "as time goes by" with a more formal and slightly more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the continuous movement of time.

in due course

Implies that something will happen at the appropriate or expected time, adding a sense of inevitability.

as years pass

Focuses specifically on the passing of years, making it suitable when the time frame is longer.

down the line

Suggests a future point in time, often in the context of future consequences or developments.

in the fullness of time

A more poetic and emphatic way of saying "eventually", implying that something will happen when the time is right.

with the march of time

Emphasizes the relentless and unstoppable progression of time, often used in a more reflective or philosophical context.

as the days turn into weeks

Highlights the incremental accumulation of time, suitable when emphasizing the gradual nature of change.

in the long run

Focuses on the eventual outcome or consequences after a considerable period.

eventually

A simple and direct way of saying that something will happen at some unspecified future time.

FAQs

How can I use "as time goes by" in a sentence?

The phrase "as time goes by" typically introduces a reflection on changes or developments occurring over a period. For example, "As time goes by, technology continues to advance at an unprecedented rate."

What are some alternatives to "as time goes by"?

You can use alternatives like "over time", "with the passage of time", or "eventually" depending on the specific context.

Is "as times goes by" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrase is "as time goes by". The word "time" should be singular in this context, referring to the general concept of the passage of time.

What is the difference between "as time goes by" and "in due course"?

"As time goes by" generally refers to the continuous passage of time and its effects. "In due course" implies that something will happen at an appropriate or expected time, often with a sense of inevitability.