how quickly time passed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how quickly time passed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of surprise or reflection on the passage of time, often in a nostalgic or contemplative context. Example: "As I looked back on my childhood, I couldn't help but marvel at how quickly time passed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's amazing how quickly time passes when you have a lot on your mind.

The New Yorker

It's amazing how quickly time passes when you're basically doing nothing, because before we knew it, it was once again time to dine.

The New York Times - Travel

In rehearsals I realised how quickly time passes when you start to see the dancers, so then my approach was to make things that were a lot longer, that would build with tension and not change as much.

Independent

Drawing astonishing performances from his actors, Darren Aronofsky's film rushes through their buzzes to show how quickly time passes when they are high and the emptiness of their lives when they aren't consuming.

The New York Times

"You won't believe how quickly time passes as we take this bike highway into central Orange County". "Last year's ride gave each of us an excuse to eat a little more," said Frank Peters, one of the bikeNewportBeach founders.

Los Angeles Times

Every day at the center, she is reminded of how quickly time passes.

The New York Times

It's amazing how quickly time passes.

Science Magazine

Although 8-10 stations combined with the other activities during the day may, at first glance, seem like a long day, the time goes by very quickly and for applicants who have experienced this process, the feedback has indicated that they were actually surprised at how quickly time passes.

Duke University

That is how quickly time passes and people are born, grow up, and pass on.

Huffington Post

I'm over halfway through my internship and I can't believe how quickly time has passed.

Duke University

The photographer arrived upon the concept for his bittersweet series after a conversation with an 80-year-old World War II veteran who couldn't believe how quickly time had passed.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how quickly time passed" to reflect on a period that now feels shorter in retrospect. This is often used when reminiscing about the past or significant life events.

Common error

Avoid using "how quickly time passes" when referring to a specific, completed period in the past. Use "how quickly time passed" to maintain the past tense consistency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how quickly time passed" functions as a relative clause, often introducing a statement of surprise, reflection, or nostalgia about a period of time that has elapsed. It sets the stage for further explanation or emotion.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how quickly time passed" serves as a reflective clause, capturing a sense of surprise or nostalgia about the past. Ludwig AI suggests this phrase is grammatically correct. While examples are limited, it is suitable for various contexts, blending seamlessly into both casual and formal settings. To diversify your writing, consider alternatives like "how fast time went" or "how rapidly time went by" to add subtle shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how fast time went

Emphasizes the speed of time's passage.

how rapidly time went by

Uses 'rapidly' for a more formal tone.

how swiftly time flew

Employs 'swiftly' and 'flew' for a poetic effect.

how quickly time has gone

Shifts to the present perfect tense to focus on the current state.

how the time slipped away

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey the subtle passing of time.

how the years have passed

Focuses specifically on the passage of years.

how short the time was

Highlights the brevity of the time period.

how unexpectedly time passed

Adds an element of surprise to the passage of time.

how imperceptibly time advanced

Uses more formal and less common language.

how transient time is

Emphasizes the fleeting nature of time.

FAQs

How can I use "how quickly time passed" in a sentence?

You can use "how quickly time passed" to express surprise or nostalgia when looking back on a period, as in, "I was shocked by "how quickly time passed" since college."

What's a more formal way to say "how quickly time passed"?

A more formal way to convey a similar idea is to say "the rapidity with which time elapsed" or "the swiftness of time's passage."

Which is correct, "how quickly time passed" or "how fast time passed"?

Both ""how quickly time passed"" and "how fast time went" are grammatically correct, but the former may be perceived as slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "how quickly time passed" and "how quickly time flies"?

""how quickly time passed"" refers to a specific period in the past, while "how quickly time flies" is a more general observation about the nature of time.