is fleeting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is fleeting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is temporary or short-lived, often in a poetic or reflective context. Example: "Life is fleeting, and we must cherish every moment we have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Surprise is fleeting.

The New Yorker

The year is fleeting -.

The New Yorker

The magic is fleeting.

The New York Times - Food

All glory is fleeting.

The New York Times

The season is fleeting.

The New York Times - Food

Fame is fleeting.

The New Yorker

Time is fleeting.

The New York Times

Safety is fleeting.

The New Yorker

A basketball game is fleeting".

The New York Times - Sports

Fame is fleeting and fragile.

The New York Times - Sports

Everything, you see, is fleeting.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is fleeting" to add a touch of elegance or poignancy when describing things that are temporary or transient in nature. It's particularly effective in contexts where you want to evoke a sense of nostalgia or the preciousness of the moment.

Common error

Avoid using "is fleeting" in highly technical or scientific writing where more precise and direct terms like "temporary" or "transient" might be more appropriate. The phrase carries a slightly literary tone that may not fit all contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is fleeting" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its temporary nature. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. For example, "Time is fleeting" uses "is fleeting" to describe the characteristic of time.

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, "is fleeting" is a versatile phrase used to describe something temporary or short-lived. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and well-suited for adding a touch of poignancy. Predominantly found in "News & Media", its register remains relatively neutral, making it suitable for a wide variety of contexts. While alternatives like "is transient" or "is temporary" exist, "is fleeting" carries a particular elegance, especially when emphasizing the preciousness of a moment. However, avoid overuse in technical contexts where more precise terminology is preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is transient

This alternative focuses on the temporary nature of something, emphasizing its impermanence.

is ephemeral

This word suggests something that lasts for only a very short time, often implying beauty or fragility.

is temporary

This alternative is a straightforward way to describe something not intended to last.

is short-lived

This phrase indicates that something exists or lasts for only a brief period.

does not last

This is a simple way to express the idea that something is not permanent.

is momentary

Implies that something lasts only for a moment.

is passing

This suggests that something is moving through time and will soon be gone.

is fugitive

This word implies that something is quickly disappearing or escaping.

is evanescent

Evokes a sense of something fading from sight or memory.

is impermanent

This directly states that something is not permanent or everlasting.

FAQs

How can I use "is fleeting" in a sentence?

Use "is fleeting" to describe something that doesn't last long, such as "Happiness "is fleeting", so cherish every moment" or "Childhood "is fleeting", hold onto the memories".

What are some alternatives to "is fleeting"?

Some alternatives include "is transient", "is temporary", "is short-lived", or "is ephemeral", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is fleeting" formal or informal?

"Is fleeting" falls in the neutral to slightly formal register. It is suitable for general writing, news articles, and literary contexts, but it might be less appropriate for highly technical or informal communication. Consider your audience and the tone of your writing when choosing this phrase.

What's the difference between "is fleeting" and "is temporary"?

While both convey the idea of something not lasting forever, ""is fleeting"" often carries a more poetic or emotional connotation, suggesting a sense of transience and preciousness. "is temporary" is more straightforward and factual, simply indicating a lack of permanence.