by in a blur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by in a blur" is not a complete phrase and is not grammatically correct.
It is possible that it could be used in spoken English as a colloquial or informal phrase, but it would not be appropriate to use in formal or written English. If you wanted to convey the meaning of something happening quickly or being unclear, you could use a different phrase such as "in a blur" or "in a rush." Example: She ran by me in a blur, I could barely make out her face as she hurried past.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first three innings went by in a blur for Pavano, who threw first-pitch strikes to 9 of his first 10 hitters.

The New York Times - Sports

Two innings can fly by in a blur.

The New York Times - Sports

It went by in a blur.

The New York Times

They go by in a blur.

The New York Times - Arts

Wednesday went by in a blur.

The New Yorker

Centuries of history whiz by in a blur.

The New York Times - Books

The previous summer had passed by in a blur.

The Guardian - Sport

The rest of the day goes by in a blur.

The New Yorker

There is no unusual sense of motion, but the countryside goes by in a blur.

The New Yorker

The countryside whizzes by in a blur, though the ride is impeccably smooth.

The Economist

Now I watch the land go by in a blur of white.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "by in a blur" is commonly used, consider using the shorter and grammatically sound phrase "in a blur" when describing events that happen quickly and are difficult to perceive clearly. This enhances clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "by in a blur" because the inclusion of 'by' is often redundant. The phrase "in a blur" already adequately conveys the meaning of something happening quickly and indistinctly. Using the shorter phrase makes your writing more concise and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, describing how an action or event occurs. It indicates that something happens rapidly and indistinctly, lacking clarity or detail. Ludwig AI identifies a grammatical issue with this expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by in a blur" is used to describe events that occur rapidly and without clear perception. While Ludwig's analysis shows it is commonly found in news and media sources, it is often considered grammatically questionable. The inclusion of "by" is frequently seen as redundant, and using the simpler phrase "in a blur" is often recommended. For enhanced clarity and precision in formal writing, consider using alternative expressions such as "passes quickly" or "goes by fast". Although commonly used, replacing "by in a blur" with a better expression can improve your writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a blur

Removes the redundant "by", focusing on the state of being indistinct or rapid.

passes quickly

Replaces the metaphor with a more literal description of rapid passage.

goes by fast

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey the speed of passing.

in a rapid sequence

Highlights the speed and order of events.

in swift succession

Emphasizes the continuous and quick flow of events.

in a whirlwind

Employs a different metaphor to suggest a chaotic and rapid experience.

in a flash

Suggests an extremely brief and instantaneous passage.

fleetingly

An adverb that describes something passing quickly and briefly.

in rapid motion

Focuses on the visible speed and movement.

indistinctly

Highlights the lack of clarity rather than the speed of passage.

FAQs

Is "by in a blur" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, the phrase "by in a blur" is often considered grammatically incorrect. The simpler phrase "in a blur" is generally preferred.

What does "by in a blur" mean?

The phrase "by in a blur" generally means that something happened very quickly and was difficult to perceive or remember clearly. A more concise alternative is "in a blur".

What are some alternatives to "by in a blur"?

Alternatives include phrases like "passes quickly", "goes by fast", or simply "in a blur", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "by in a blur"?

Although commonly found in various sources, it's often more effective to use grammatically correct alternatives such as "in a blur" or rephrase the sentence to enhance clarity and avoid potential grammatical issues.