hurried past

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hurried past" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something moving quickly by a particular point or location. Example: "As I stood at the bus stop, people hurried past, each lost in their own thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

We were both alone, and waiters hurried past, ignoring us.

The New Yorker

As Corrine hurried past, he said, "Hey, beautiful.

The New York Times - Books

As we strolled, faytons hurried past, bearing women in headscarves, the drivers chirruping, the horses whinnying.

The New York Times

Too scared to intervene, he hurried past, completed his visit and started his long walk home.

The Guardian

A few people said hello back, but others hurried past or ignored his hand.

The Washington Post

Most simply hurried past, anxious to catch trains and uninterested in the demonstration.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Men hurry past.

The New York Times

It's too late to hurry past.

The New York Times

Hurrying past, they turn to look.

The New York Times

When she saw her doctor hurrying past, she reached out and caught her by the arm.

The New Yorker

Others hurry past in sundresses and shorts in this more casual era.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hurried past" to create a sense of busyness, indifference, or avoidance in your writing. This phrase is particularly effective when describing scenes where characters are preoccupied or deliberately ignoring something or someone.

Common error

Don't overuse "hurried past" as the main verb when a more descriptive action would be more impactful. For example, instead of "She hurried past the door", consider "She slipped through the doorway" or "She rushed into the room" to add greater impact and dynamism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hurried past" functions as a compound verb, indicating an action of moving quickly beyond something or someone. Ludwig examples show it used to describe physical movement in various contexts, from ignoring a scene to avoiding an encounter.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hurried past" is a compound verb used to describe the act of moving quickly beyond something or someone, often with the implication of avoidance or indifference. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, especially within the News & Media. While alternative phrases like "rushed by" or "sped past" exist, "hurried past" offers a specific nuance of controlled quick movement. This phrase can be effective in creating a sense of busyness or deliberate ignoring of a scene or person, but care should be taken to avoid overusing it as a primary action, opting instead for more descriptive verbs when appropriate. Ludwig examples illustrate its versatility in depicting scenes where characters are preoccupied or intent on avoiding engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rushed by

Implies a greater sense of urgency or speed than "hurried past".

sped past

Suggests a higher velocity, often used for vehicles or objects moving very quickly.

breezed past

Indicates a light, effortless movement, often with a connotation of ease or nonchalance.

darted past

Implies a quick, sudden movement, often with a connotation of fear or secrecy.

marched past

Conveys a sense of purpose and determination, often used for groups moving in a coordinated manner.

slipped by

Indicates a quiet, almost unnoticed movement, often with a connotation of stealth or deception.

drifted past

Implies a slow, undirected movement, often used for objects floating or people lost in thought.

brushed past

Suggests a brief, light contact while moving past.

sauntered by

Suggests a leisurely, unhurried pace, often with a connotation of relaxation or enjoyment.

strolled past

Indicates a casual, relaxed walk, often for pleasure or observation.

FAQs

How can I use "hurried past" in a sentence?

The phrase "hurried past" describes someone moving quickly and deliberately past a person or object. For instance, "The students "hurried past" the construction site, eager to get to class on time."

What are some alternatives to "hurried past"?

You can use alternatives like "rushed by", "sped past", or "breezed past" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What does it imply when someone "hurries past"?

When someone "hurries past", it often implies they are in a rush, trying to avoid something, or simply not wanting to engage with whatever they are passing. It can suggest a sense of urgency or a desire to remain unnoticed.

Is there a difference between "hurried past" and "rushed past"?

While both phrases suggest moving quickly, "hurried past" implies a slightly more controlled or deliberate pace, whereas "rushed past" suggests a more frantic or uncontrolled movement.