it passes time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it passes time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an activity or action that helps to make time feel shorter or more enjoyable. Example: "Reading a good book really helps when you're waiting for your flight; it passes time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Never to even brush in passing Yet nonetheless keep faith with them, The ice queens in their realms of gold – It passes time that passes anyway.

The Guardian - Books

"It passes time that passes anyway" might be an indirect homage to Larkin's Dockery and Son ("Life is first boredom, then fear. / Whether or not we use it, it goes").

The Guardian - Books

It passes time while you're waiting or while you're sitting with people who don't interest you much but you're obliged to stay with them.

WikiHow

Plus it passes time.

WikiHow

Get friends to make money with you, it passes time quicker.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It also passes time, as it keeps your mind off the time.

WikiHow

Even if it is a complete stranger, it'll pass time and you can maybe make a new friend.

WikiHow

That always passes time!

WikiHow

It'll pass time for a while.

WikiHow

It will pass time and help you develop your personality.

WikiHow

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

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it passes time" when you want to suggest an activity or method for making a period of waiting or inactivity more bearable or enjoyable. Be sure the context clearly implies what "it" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "it passes time" without a clear antecedent for "it". Ensure the reader knows what activity or thing is meant to be passing the time. For example, instead of saying "It passes time", specify "Reading a book passes time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it passes time" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that a particular activity or situation makes time feel less tedious or go by more quickly. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it passes time" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe activities that help make time feel shorter or less tedious. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is typically used in neutral to informal settings and serves the purpose of suggesting ways to alleviate boredom or make waiting more tolerable. While the phrase itself is simple, ensure that the reference for "it" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "it kills time" or "it makes the time go faster" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it helps to kill time

Replaces "passes" with "kills", emphasizing the act of making time feel less tedious.

it makes the time go faster

Focuses on the perceived acceleration of time.

it helps while away the hours

Uses a more figurative expression for spending time in a relaxed way.

it occupies your attention

Highlights the act of engaging one's focus to make time pass.

it provides a distraction

Emphasizes the diverting nature of the activity.

it keeps you entertained

Highlights the enjoyable aspect of the activity.

it fills the time

Focuses on occupying a specific period of time.

it diverts your thoughts

Highlights that the activity helps to think about something else.

it provides a pastime

Highlights the habitual way to entertain yourself with this activity.

it alleviates boredom

Highlights that the activity prevents the feeling of being bored.

FAQs

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

Use "it passes time" to describe an activity or occupation that helps make time feel shorter or less tedious. For example: "Listening to music on a long flight really helps; "it passes time" wonderfully."

What are some alternatives to saying "it passes time"?

You can use alternatives such as "it kills time", "it helps to kill time", or "it makes the time go faster" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it passes time" or "it helps to pass time"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "it helps to pass time" is more explicit about the activity's purpose. "It passes time" is more concise and suitable when the helping aspect is implied.

What's the difference between "it passes time" and "time passes"?

"It passes time" describes something that makes time feel like it's going by faster or more pleasantly. "Time passes" is a statement about the general progression of time itself, not necessarily related to a specific activity or its effect.