as we passed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we passed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or observation that occurs while moving past something or someone. Example: "As we passed the old library, I couldn't help but admire its architecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

As we passed the U.S.S.

The New Yorker

He braced himself as we passed.

The New York Times - Travel

Schoolchildren smiled and waved as we passed.

The Guardian - Travel

pic.twitter.com/8Ui6YoE9Noticedced this on Lambeth bridge as we passed.

Independent

As we passed, some asked about specific stocks.

The New York Times - Magazine

He cursed us in English as we passed.

The New York Times - Magazine

We'd nod to one another as we passed.

The New Yorker

As we passed, we read each others' thoughts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jackie towered above them, waving to each as we passed.

The New York Times

He opened every door as we passed through the set.

The New Yorker

"They took off their hats as we passed," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as we passed" to clearly indicate that an action or observation occurred while in motion relative to a specific point or object. For instance: "As we passed the monument, we noticed a large crowd gathered around it."

Common error

Avoid using "as we passed" to describe events within a stationary setting. It's more appropriate for scenarios involving movement. For example, instead of saying "As we passed in the room, we talked about...", try "While we were in the room, we talked about...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we passed" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when an event occurred. It provides context to the main clause action, indicating simultaneity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as we passed" serves as a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe events occurring during movement, according to Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in the news and media, its neutral register and common usage make it suitable for diverse writing contexts. While alternatives like "as we went by" exist, the core meaning remains consistent. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects concurrent action while moving, avoiding static settings or sequential events. Ludwig's examples underscore the phrase's descriptive strength and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as we went by

Replaces "passed" with the more general verb "went", offering a slightly less formal tone.

as we moved past

Emphasizes the movement aspect using the verb "moved".

while we were passing

Uses a continuous tense to emphasize the ongoing action of passing.

as we were going past

Similar to "while we were passing" but using "going" instead of "passing".

when we passed

Substitutes "as" with "when", focusing on the specific moment of passing.

on our way past

Highlights the journey or route while passing.

whilst passing

Uses the more formal "whilst" in place of "as", altering the tone slightly.

in passing

A shorter, more concise way to indicate something happened during the act of passing.

during our passing

Transforms the phrase into a noun phrase, altering the grammatical structure.

along the way

A more general phrase indicating something happened during a journey, without specifically mentioning the act of passing.

FAQs

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

Use "as we passed" to describe something you observed or an action that took place while you were moving past a specific point or location. For example, "As we passed the bakery, the aroma of fresh bread filled the air."

What are some alternatives to "as we passed"?

Some alternatives include "as we went by", "while we were passing", or "when we passed", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "as we passed by" redundant?

While "as we passed by" isn't strictly incorrect, the "by" can be considered redundant because "passed" already implies movement past something. Using just "as we passed" is generally more concise and preferred.

What's the difference between "as we passed" and "after we passed"?

"As we passed" indicates simultaneous action, meaning something happened during the act of passing. "After we passed" indicates a sequence of events, meaning something happened after the act of passing was completed. For instance, "As we passed the house, we saw lights on" versus "After we passed the house, we realized we'd taken the wrong turn".