it went past

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it went past" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has moved beyond a certain point or location. Example: "As I stood on the sidewalk, I watched the bus as it went past the stop without stopping."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"It went past midnight.

The New York Times

When it went past again I saw that the student driver, his instructor seated alongside him, was a silver-haired man with a moustache, well into his 70s at least, dressed in white shirt, tie and suit jacket.

The Guardian

It went past all those thresholds," he said.

The Guardian

"It went past my brain right to my heart," Rabbi Mosbacher said of the exegesis of angr.

The New York Times

Joseph went way back into his net to stop Jonsson's shot, but it went past him at 5 57.

The New York Times - Sports

Then it went past that, to labor with Pammy, and she was giving birth to something bigger than Pammy, out her chest.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

If you have to feed your horse at the eleventh hour, then do it the normal way or its health may go down (If it goes past 12 00).

WikiHow

The A303 is currently single carriageway when it goes past Stonehenge.

Independent

"It's not a question of having a choice, of either embracing this or letting it go past: if we don't embrace it, it will develop in a way that we're not happy with.

BBC

It goes past Fast Quick Loans, where a yellow banner draped across the storefront promises: "First Loan Free".

Huffington Post

If it is a half day, you will not need to worry about this step unless it goes past lunch.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement, use "it went past" to emphasize a specific point of reference that was surpassed (e.g. "it went past the stop sign").

Common error

Avoid using "it went past" without specifying what was surpassed. For instance, instead of saying "it went past", clarify with "it went past the deadline" or "it went past the agreed limit".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it went past" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase indicating the movement or progression beyond a specific point, either in space or time. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct. The examples show its use in describing physical movement, exceeding limits, or the passage of time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it went past" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe exceeding a point in space or time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media and general reference, as shown in the provided examples. When using "it went past", ensure the reference point is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "it passed by" and "it moved beyond", each offering nuanced differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it passed by

Replaces "went" with "passed" offering a more direct synonym with an emphasis on the act of passing.

it moved beyond

Focuses on the action of moving past a certain point or limit.

it exceeded

Indicates surpassing a limit or expectation, suitable when discussing boundaries or regulations.

it continued beyond

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the movement or action extending past a specific point.

it went over

Suggests surpassing a limit, often used in the context of time or budget.

it elapsed

Specifically refers to the passing of time.

it left behind

Focuses on what was left after the passing, emphasizing separation or abandonment.

it bypassed

Implies avoidance of something in its path.

it sailed past

Similar to passed, but with a more fluid sense of motion and might be more suitable when describing literal navigation past something.

it overshot

Implies going too far past the intended target.

FAQs

How can I use "it went past" in a sentence?

You can use "it went past" to describe something moving beyond a specific location or a time exceeding a certain point. For example, "The car went past the house" or "The meeting went past its scheduled end time".

What's a simple way to rephrase "it went past"?

A simple way to rephrase "it went past" is to say "it passed by". This alternative keeps the meaning while using slightly different wording.

Is it ever incorrect to use "it went past"?

While generally correct, "it went past" can be vague if the reference point is unclear. Always ensure the context provides a clear understanding of what is being surpassed or exceeded. For example, instead of "it went past", use "it went past the intersection".

How does "it went past" differ from "it went beyond"?

"It went past" typically refers to a specific point in space or time that was exceeded, while "it went beyond" often implies exceeding a limit or boundary in a more abstract sense. For example, "it went past the station" versus "it went beyond expectations".