as time passes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as time passes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the progression of time and its effects on a situation or feeling. Example: "As time passes, I find myself reflecting more on the choices I've made in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As time passes, it grows increasingly panicked.

The New Yorker

As time passes, memory, inevitably, reconstitutes itself.

The New Yorker

Instead, it changes as time passes.

The New Yorker

What happens as time passes?

Harvard Business Review

But as time passes I become veteran.

The New Yorker

As time passes, however, the selection dwindles.

The New York Times

The advantage fades as time passes.

The Guardian

As time passes, it will eventually crumble.

The Guardian - Arts

As time passes, that number will increase.

The Guardian

And as time passes, the distortion lessens.

The New York Times

As time passes Buddhism will decline.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as time passes" to clearly indicate a change or development that occurs gradually over a period. This phrase is effective when emphasizing the ongoing nature of time's influence.

Common error

Avoid using "as time passes" when a more direct temporal phrase like "later" or "subsequently" would be more appropriate. "As time passes" is best suited for situations where the gradual effect of time is central to the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as time passes" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates the temporal context in which the action or state described by the verb or clause occurs. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

25%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as time passes" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase that effectively conveys the idea of change or progression over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is particularly useful when emphasizing the gradual nature of an event or transformation. While alternatives like "over time" exist, "as time passes" provides a more explicit reference to the temporal dimension. Common in news, scientific, and academic contexts, this phrase maintains a neutral tone and serves as a valuable tool for expressing temporal relationships in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over time

This alternative is more concise and general, lacking the explicit reference to the passage of time.

with time

This alternative is a shorter and more direct way of expressing the same concept.

with the passage of time

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the process of time elapsing.

as time goes on

This alternative is more colloquial and focuses on the continuing nature of time.

as time elapses

This alternative is a more formal and precise way of expressing the passage of time.

in due course

This alternative suggests that something will happen at an appropriate time in the future.

eventually

This alternative focuses on the final outcome after a period of time.

in the long run

This alternative emphasizes the long-term consequences or effects.

in the fullness of time

This alternative is more poetic and suggests a natural and complete unfolding.

down the line

This alternative is more informal and refers to a point in the future.

FAQs

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

Use "as time passes" to show how something changes or evolves over a period. For example, "As time passes, memories may fade, but their impact remains".

What are some alternatives to "as time passes"?

You can use phrases such as "over time", "with the passage of time", or "as time goes on" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "as time passes" or "as time goes by"?

Both "as time passes" and "as time goes by" are correct, but "as time passes" is slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What is the difference between "as time passes" and "eventually"?

"As time passes" emphasizes the process of time elapsing, while "eventually" focuses on the final outcome at some unspecified point in the future.