days went by

USAGE SUMMARY

"days went by" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the passage of time in a narrative, such as: "John waited for an answer from his old friend, but days went by without any response."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The days went by too fast.

The Guardian - Travel

More days went by.

The New Yorker

Two days went by.

The New Yorker

Days went by.

The New Yorker

A few days went by.

The New York Times

Instead, a couple of days went by.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Days go by, weeks.

The Guardian - Opinion

The days go by.

The Guardian - Arts

Two days go by, the phone rings.

The New York Times

Certainly was, in days gone by.

Independent

The days go by like this.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "days went by" to create a sense of pacing in your narrative, indicating the duration of a situation or the unfolding of events over time.

Common error

While "days went by" is naturally passive, avoid chaining it with other passive constructions. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "days went by" functions as an intransitive expression indicating the progression of time. As shown by Ludwig, it is commonly used in narratives to convey the passing of time during a particular event or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "days went by" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the passage of time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use, particularly in narrative contexts within news and media. While versatile, it is advisable to vary sentence structure to avoid overuse of passive constructions. Alternatives such as "time passed" or "days passed" can add nuance, but "days went by" remains a reliable and clear way to convey duration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

days passed

Uses a slightly different verb to indicate the movement of time.

time passed

A general way to express the progression of time.

time elapsed

Focuses on the measurement of time that has passed.

the days rolled on

Implies a continuous and perhaps monotonous progression of time.

time slipped away

Emphasizes the unnoticed or perhaps regretted passing of time.

the hours drifted

Suggests a slow and perhaps uneventful passage of time.

days unfolded

Presents the passage of time as a revealing or developing process.

the clock ticked on

Focuses on the constant and relentless nature of time.

the sun rose and set

Illustrates the passage of time through natural events.

seasons changed

Highlights the passage of time with reference to changes in season.

FAQs

How can I use "days went by" in a sentence?

You can use "days went by" to indicate the passage of time, such as in the sentence, "The search continued, but "days went by" without any sign of the missing hiker."

What are some alternatives to "days went by"?

Alternatives include "time passed", "days passed", or "time elapsed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "days passed" or "days went by"?

Both "days passed" and "days went by" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the rhythm of the sentence.

Can "days went by" be used to describe a feeling or emotion?

While "days went by" primarily indicates the passage of time, it can indirectly influence the tone of a passage, suggesting a period of waiting, anticipation, or even boredom, depending on the context.