go by fast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go by fast" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the perception that time is passing quickly. Example: "The summer vacation always seems to go by fast, leaving us wishing for more time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

To me, it was about a single mother raising three daughters with lots of love, respect and humor; the week couldn't go by fast enough before I checked into the Shady Rest in my pajamas on Saturday night and basked in the warmth of Hooterville's quirky denizens.

The New York Times

They go by fast, thankfully.

The Guardian - Sport

"It made the time go by fast".

The New York Times - Tech

"The time will go by fast," Jonathan reassured me later.

The New York Times

We made it home, but it sure didn't go by fast.

The New York Times - Tech

"I just hope the next 11 months go by fast and he comes back the same way he left".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It's not brushy painting with hyperrealism and cars going by fast.

The New York Times

They have to understand it's Aug. 16, and the two-a-days and training camp are going by fast.

The New York Times - Sports

Life goes by fast.

Huffington Post

This career goes by fast.

Huffington Post

Don't wait too long to start looking for people to take your hamsters, because 35 days goes by fast.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experiences, use "go by fast" to convey a sense of enjoyment or engagement that makes time seem to disappear. For example, "The vacation seemed to go by fast because we were having so much fun."

Common error

Avoid using "go by fast" when you want to emphasize efficiency or speed in completing a task. Instead, use phrases like "complete quickly" or "expedite the process" for tasks, reserving "go by fast" to refer to the subjective experience of time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go by fast" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the subjective perception of time passing quickly. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a correct and usable way to communicate this idea.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

33%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go by fast" is a common phrasal verb used to describe the feeling that time is passing quickly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used in contexts such as News & Media and Wiki articles. When writing, remember that this phrase is best suited for describing the subjective experience of time and is not appropriate for formal or scientific contexts. For more formal writing, alternatives like "pass quickly" or "elapse rapidly" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pass quickly

Emphasizes speed, similar to "go by fast", but more direct.

fly by

Suggests an even faster passage of time, implying effortlessness.

hurry past

Highlights the quick and possibly unnoticed passing of something.

elapse rapidly

A more formal way to express time passing quickly.

vanish quickly

Suggests that something disappears from sight, emphasizing its rapid departure.

slip away

Implies a subtle and almost unnoticed passage of time.

race ahead

Suggests forward movement, but in the context of time.

dash past

Implies a sudden and quick movement.

whiz by

Suggests a very fast and possibly disorienting passage.

speed along

Highlights continuous speed and progress.

FAQs

What does "go by fast" mean?

The phrase "go by fast" means that time seems to pass quickly. It's often used to describe periods that are enjoyable or busy.

How can I use "go by fast" in a sentence?

You can use "go by fast" to describe how time feels. For example, "The summer always seems to "fly by"" or "The work day "passed quickly" today."

What's a more formal way to say "go by fast"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "elapse rapidly" or "pass quickly" instead of "go by fast".

Is it correct to say "went by fast"?

Yes, "went by fast" is the past tense of "go by fast" and is grammatically correct. For instance, "The week "went by quickly" because I was so busy."