it's fleeting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's fleeting" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English
It means that something is temporary or not lasting for a long time. It can be used to describe a feeling, emotion, experience, or moment. Example: The beautiful sunset over the ocean was breathtaking, but unfortunately, it's fleeting and soon night fell.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of snow's existence is that it's fleeting.

Huffington Post

Let's go make another film and let's kind of ignore what that was because it felt lovely but it's fleeting and it's transient and let's now do another one so we can then go back and feel that again.

Huffington Post

It's fleeting, but permanently available.

The Guardian

"It's flattering and it's fleeting," he said.

The New York Times

It's fleeting, this sequence – a midnight moment.

The Guardian

Typically when we experience feelings of happiness and love, it's fleeting and then something else happens, and we move on to the next thought.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But like all life's chances, it is fleeting and about to pass.

The New York Times

It was fleeting.

The New York Times - Sports

And when it came, it was fleeting.

The New York Times

TV is wonderful, but it is fleeting.

The New York Times

But it was fleeting and, taken alone, restricted in emotionality.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine the phrase with contrasting words like "permanent" or "forever" to highlight the transience of the subject

Common error

Do not use "it's fleeting" when you intend to describe the physical speed of a moving object (like a car). It should be reserved for describing the short duration of an experience or a state of being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's fleeting" functions as an independent or dependent clause consisting of the subject-verb contraction "it's" (it is) and the predicative adjective "fleeting". In Ludwig examples, it frequently acts as a qualifier to emphasize the brevity of abstract nouns.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Lifestyle & Arts

15%

Personal Development

10%

Less common in

Technical Documentation

2%

Legal Writing

1%

Academic Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"it's fleeting" is a robust and evocative English expression that effectively captures the temporary nature of life's most poignant moments. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a favorite among journalists and novelists to describe everything from political fame and artistic sequences to happiness and seasonal changes. Its grammatical structure is simple yet its semantic impact is profound, making it an excellent choice for writers looking to add depth to their descriptions of time. While highly versatile, it is best applied to intangible experiences rather than physical objects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is transient

More formal and often used in philosophical or sociopolitical contexts

it is ephemeral

Higher register, typically used in artistic, scientific, or literary descriptions

it is short-lived

A neutral alternative common in reporting on trends or events

it is temporary

A simpler and more utilitarian synonym focusing on non-permanence

it is momentary

Focuses strictly on the duration of a single moment

it passes quickly

Emphasizes the action of movement through time rather than the state of being

it is brief

The most concise descriptor, often used for communication or time spans

it's evanescent

A poetic and rare choice suggesting something vanishing like vapor

it is elusive

Shifts focus from the duration to the difficulty of capturing the experience

it won't last

A more informal and predictive way to describe non-permanence

FAQs

How do I use "it's fleeting" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe intangible things, such as "The feeling of victory was sweet, but it's fleeting". It often follows a comma to provide contrast.

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

While both mean short-lived, "it's fleeting" has a more poetic or emotional connotation, whereas "it is temporary" is more functional and used for things like jobs or road signs.

Can "it's fleeting" be used in formal writing?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal essays and journalism. For scientific papers, you might prefer "it is transient" or "it is ephemeral" depending on the discipline.

What can I say instead of "it's fleeting"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it is short-lived", "it won't last", or "it is brief".