it can pass some time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can pass some time" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used to suggest that something can take a while or that time can be spent in a certain way. Example: "While waiting for the bus, I found a book to read; it can pass some time."

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is a common way to start books, and it can pass some time.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Watching Christmas movies on Christmas is a fun thing, it can pass time, plus, you'll have a lot of fun.

WikiHow

Well, whatever it is, revising can pass the time.

WikiHow

This means that generally the larger hailstones will form some distance from the stronger updraft where they can pass more time growing.

Wikipedia

Rather, you can pass the time using amenities like steam rooms, saunas and plunge pools.

The New York Times

You can pass the time trying to spot Paul Whitehouse, who is into ­everything like a puppy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Among the more rarefied offerings planned is a lounge where chauffeurs can pass the time while they wait for their passengers.

The New York Times

Spice has the effect of blurring out time and has become known as the "bird killer" ("bird" being slang for a prison sentence – you can pass your time in jail in a blur).

The Guardian

Readers outside New York can pass the time with another remix by Marclay: "Shuffle," a box of seventy-five cards festooned with photographic images of musical notes that Marclay found everywhere from store awnings to chocolate tins to underpants.

The New Yorker

Perhaps you can pass the time by contemplating how much more open and connected the world is becoming.

TechCrunch

Those who get bored (no names) can pass the time trying to identify the film's myriad local locations.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common and natural-sounding alternatives like "it can help to kill time" or "it can occupy some time" to express the idea of spending time.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "it can pass some time" in formal writing. While grammatically understandable, it sounds unnatural. Instead, opt for clearer and more common alternatives such as "it can help pass the time" or "it can occupy your time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can pass some time" functions as a clause expressing the ability of something to occupy or spend time. It suggests a way to alleviate boredom or make waiting periods more bearable. Ludwig AI highlights the phrase as potentially awkward and suggests more common alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically understandable, the phrase "it can pass some time" is not a common or natural way to express the idea of spending time. Ludwig AI suggests that it sounds awkward and that more common alternatives, such as "it can help pass the time" or "it can kill time", are preferable. The phrase appears in a variety of contexts, including Wiki articles and News & Media, but its infrequent use suggests that writers should opt for clearer and more conventional phrasing. The examples show that it's used in contexts needing simple suggestions for killing time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can occupy some time

Replaces "pass" with "occupy", making the sentence more direct and less idiomatic.

it can help to kill time

Replaces "pass some time" with the more common idiom "kill time" and clarifies the purpose.

it can help to fill the time

Focuses on occupying time, replacing "pass" with "fill".

it can help you while away the hours

Emphasizes the leisurely aspect of spending time, using a more figurative expression.

it can take up some time

Focuses on the duration of an activity, implying that it requires a certain amount of time.

it can help you get through the time

Suggests enduring a period of time, implying boredom or anticipation.

it can help to use up some time

Emphasizes the consumption of time, often suggesting a need to fill an empty period.

it can make the time go by faster

Highlights the acceleration of perceived time, suggesting a way to alleviate boredom.

it can keep you entertained for a while

Shifts the focus to providing amusement, implying that the time will be enjoyable.

it can distract you for some time

Focuses on diverting attention, suggesting a temporary escape from boredom or unpleasantness.

FAQs

What does "it can pass some time" mean?

The phrase "it can pass some time" means that something can help you spend or occupy time, often when you are bored or waiting for something. However, it's not the most common or natural way to express this idea.

What can I say instead of "it can pass some time"?

You can use alternatives like "it can kill time", "it can occupy some time", or "it can help pass the time", depending on the context.

Is "it can pass some time" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "it can pass some time" is an awkward phrasing. It's better to say "it can help pass the time" or use a more common idiom like "it can kill time".

How can I use "it can pass some time" in a sentence?

You can use "it can pass some time" in a sentence like: "While waiting for the bus, I found a book to read; it can pass some time." However, consider using a more common alternative for better clarity and flow.