it passes quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

"it passes quickly" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase in a sentence when describing the passage of time. For example, "The summer flew by; it passes quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It's a funny moment, and it passes quickly.

The New Yorker

Some light rain has started as the umbrellas go up, fingers crossed that it passes quickly!

The New York Times

And although that moment comes, it passes quickly, with little tension and release.

The New York Times

But is it wrong that a tiny part of me is hoping it passes quickly so I can have my River back?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Alan Sugar, who is quitting as chairman of Tottenham Hotspur in disgust, calls it "the prune-juice effect": much is taken in, but it passes quickly through.From Hollywood to Old TraffordIn this, football is similar to other branches of show business.

The Economist

If they, and we, are lucky they skip the angry phase or it passes quickly.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It passed quickly but its meaning was unmistakable: Paris Saint-Germain's coach, Paul Le Guen, was smiling, even laughing, on the team bench as his side coasted to a 4 1 win over Nancy.

The Guardian - Sport

Many Republicans and fossil-fuel producers criticized the regulation after it was finalized last year, and a resolution to repeal it passed quickly in the House of Representatives at the end of January.

The Washington Post

If there was a slight lull for German shepherds in the '30s, it passed quickly when they were named the Army's official mascots in World War II, with Rin Tin Tin as the spokesdog for the War Dog program; this, coupled with the hit '50s television show "The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin," made German shepherds the ultimate American dog.

The New York Times

"It's no fun when these sorts of things happen, but we had the capacity to manage it, and so it passed quickly," he says.

Forbes

He says the Senate Liberals prioritized the bill, in an effort to get it passed quickly.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it passes quickly" to describe transient experiences or phenomena, emphasizing their short duration. For instance, "The feeling of anxiety was intense, but it passes quickly."

Common error

Avoid using "it passes quickly" in contexts that require a more formal or precise description of time. Opt for alternatives like "it elapses rapidly" in academic or scientific writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it passes quickly" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating the transient nature of a subject. Ludwig AI's examples show it used to describe time, feelings, and events that have a short duration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it passes quickly" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe the transient nature of various experiences, emotions, or events. According to Ludwig, it is more frequently encountered in news and media, signaling a register that is generally neutral. While there are several semantically related alternatives, such as "it goes by fast" or "it's fleeting", the choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is suitable for use in written English, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for expressing the concept of brevity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it doesn't last long

This directly states the short duration of something.

it goes by fast

This alternative uses more informal language to convey the same idea of swift passage.

it's fleeting

This uses a single adjective to describe the transient nature of something.

it elapses rapidly

This phrase uses more formal vocabulary to describe the quick passing of time.

it's short-lived

This highlights the limited lifespan of something.

it's momentary

Similar to 'fleeting,' but emphasizes the very brief duration.

it vanishes swiftly

This focuses on the disappearance aspect of something that doesn't last.

it fades away quickly

This suggests a gradual disappearance over a short amount of time.

it's over in a flash

This idiom emphasizes the sudden and immediate end of something.

it's here and gone

This emphasizes the fleeting nature of something's presence.

FAQs

How can I use "it passes quickly" in a sentence?

You can use "it passes quickly" to describe experiences, feelings, or events that are of short duration. For example, "The initial shock was overwhelming, but "it passes quickly"."

What are some alternatives to "it passes quickly"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "it goes by fast", "it doesn't last long", or "it's fleeting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it passes quickly" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "it passes quickly" in both formal and informal writing, although alternatives with more elevated vocabulary may be more appropriate for certain contexts.

Is there a difference between "it passed quickly" and "it passes quickly"?

"It passed quickly" is in the past tense, describing something that already happened, whereas ""it passes quickly"" is in the present tense, describing something that generally happens or is currently happening.