as years pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as years pass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the passage of time and how things may change or evolve over that duration. Example: "As years pass, we often gain a deeper understanding of our priorities and values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

As years pass, their lives diverge and then suddenly overlap.

The New Yorker

"Some organizations give less as years pass and we always expect that.

The New York Times

The flip side of the Holdrs' unmanaged structure, for example, is that for volatile sectors like the Internet, the fixed portfolio may lose its sizzle as years pass.

The New York Times

But if as years pass, poverty and instability continue, some Iraqis will return to revering Mr. Hussein as a mythical strongman who heroically defied invincible American Crusaders.

The New York Times

As years pass, it has not been the case that people have become less agitated about Tiananmen because it happened so long ago.

The Guardian

Veterans of the John Rodgers, dwindling in numbers as years pass, planned to have a reunion in October 2006 to coincide with its arrival at Mobile Bay.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

As years passed, new defendants, charges and plots were introduced.

The New York Times

As years passed, Mr. Blier's walk slowed.

The New York Times

But as years passed, I wanted to know more.

The New York Times

As years passed, Hudson's performances became increasingly erratic.

The New Yorker

And then, as years passed and cast and crew fell sick, it acquired a darker reputation.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as years pass" to illustrate changes, developments, or trends that occur over an extended period. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the gradual nature of these changes.

Common error

Avoid using "as years pass" when referring to short-term changes or events that occur within a single year. The phrase is best suited for discussing long-term developments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as years pass" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a temporal relationship. It specifies when something happens or changes. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as years pass" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote the progression of time and the changes that accompany it. Ludwig's analysis and examples confirm that it is most frequently found in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, highlighting its suitability for both general and specialized writing. While "as years pass" maintains a neutral register, it's essential to use it appropriately when referring to long-term developments, avoiding its application to short-term events. The alternatives provided, such as "over time" and "with the passage of time", offer stylistic variations that can enhance your writing. Based on the analysis, Ludwig AI confirms that "as years pass" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over time

Focuses on the gradual change or evolution that occurs with the progression of time.

with the passage of time

Emphasizes the continuous and inevitable nature of time's progression.

as time goes on

A more informal way to express the same idea of temporal progression.

in the course of years

Highlights the journey or progression through a period of several years.

as time elapses

A slightly more formal way to describe the passing of time.

down the line

Indicates a point further in the future, emphasizing long-term effects.

in the fullness of time

Implies that certain events or changes will occur when the time is right.

with the rolling years

Poetic way to emphasize the cyclical and continuous flow of years.

as the years unfold

Suggests that events will gradually be revealed or become apparent over time.

in subsequent years

Focuses on what happens in the years that follow a specific event or period.

FAQs

How can I use "as years pass" in a sentence?

You can use "as years pass" to describe how things change over a long period. For example, "As years pass, technology continues to evolve rapidly."

What are some alternatives to "as years pass"?

Some alternatives include "over time", "with the passage of time", or "as time goes on". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "as years pass" formal or informal?

"As years pass" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might opt for phrases like "with the passage of time".

How does "as years pass" differ from "as years passed"?

"As years pass" indicates a continuing or future trend, while "as years passed" refers to something that happened in the past. For example, "As years pass, our understanding of the universe deepens" versus "As years passed, the old building slowly deteriorated."