each passing minute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "each passing minute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to convey a sense of time moving forward, often in contexts that emphasize urgency or the gradual accumulation of time. Example: "With each passing minute, the tension in the room grew more palpable as they awaited the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

With each passing minute.

The New Yorker

With each passing minute, she became more anxious.

The New York Times

It continued with each passing minute of the video.

The Guardian

But he appeared to grow more emotional with each passing minute.

The New York Times - Sports

With each passing minute, he said, the death rate increases by 10percentt.

The New York Times - Health

With each passing minute, I began to believe that we were finally safe and would return home.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Their odds of winning are collapsing with every passing minute.

The Guardian - Music

With every passing minute, as Sakhnin is unable to score, its side sinks deeper into gloom.

The New York Times - Magazine

With every passing minute, I knew we were moving farther off the grid.

The New York Times - Magazine

Passing minutes felt like hours.

The New York Times - Sports

The passing minutes felt like an eternity.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "each passing minute" to create a sense of urgency or to emphasize the gradual accumulation of effects over time. For example, "With each passing minute, the rescue team's hope dwindled."

Common error

Avoid using "each passing minute" when describing something that changes abruptly. This phrase is best suited for processes or situations that evolve incrementally. For instance, it's less appropriate to say "With each passing minute, the light switch flipped" and more accurate to say "With each passing minute, the shadows lengthened."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "each passing minute" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which something changes or progresses over time. It emphasizes the continuous and incremental nature of the action or state being described, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

10%

Huffington Post

18%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

The New Yorker

2%

Vice

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "each passing minute" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the incremental progression of time. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in news and media where emphasizing urgency is key. When utilizing this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the gradual nature of the change being described, avoiding its application to abrupt events. Consider alternatives such as "with each passing moment" or "as time goes by" to maintain variety in your writing. Keep in mind that although both “each” and “every” work similarly, the former is mostly used for gradual situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with each passing moment

Replaces "minute" with "moment", broadening the scope of time.

with every minute that elapses

This alternative emphasizes the act of time slipping away.

with the passage of every minute

A more formal alternative, emphasizing the act of time passing.

as each minute goes by

This alternative is a more direct and simple way to express the same idea.

as minutes tick by

Focuses on the sound and imagery of time passing.

on a minute-by-minute basis

Emphasizes continuous and incremental progression.

as time marches on

A more figurative way to describe the progression of time.

as the clock ticks

Emphasizes urgency or the inevitable progression of time.

with the advance of time

A more formal and abstract way to express the idea of time progressing.

in the course of a minute

Highlights the events happening inside of a specific minute.

FAQs

How can I use "each passing minute" in a sentence?

You can use "each passing minute" to describe a gradual change or an increasing feeling. For instance, "With each passing minute, the tension in the room intensified" or "The deadline approached with each passing minute".

What are some alternatives to "each passing minute"?

Some alternatives include "with each passing moment", "as time goes by", or "with every minute that elapses".

Is it better to use "each passing minute" or "every passing minute"?

Both "each passing minute" and "every passing minute" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific rhythm of the sentence.

In what contexts is "each passing minute" most appropriate?

"Each passing minute" is particularly effective in contexts where time is a crucial factor, such as describing a race against time, building suspense, or highlighting the consequences of delay. For example, "The patient's condition worsened with "each passing hour", making every minute critical".