letting time pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "letting time pass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of allowing time to go by without taking action or making changes. Example: "Sometimes, the best approach is simply letting time pass to see how the situation unfolds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If there is any benefit to letting time pass after a tragedy, it would be that time allows us to think and respond, instead of just react.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I just let time pass, staying still".

The New York Times - Arts

"I can't just let time pass".

The New York Times - Sports

I learned how to let time pass without trying to fill it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They'd let time pass, checking their watches now and again as their faces became covered with beads of sweat.

The New Yorker

"The first couple of days, we didn't say much, we just let time pass," he recalled.

The New Yorker

"The ticker, combined with the telegraph and the telephone, made time shrink: the investors couldn't let time pass before placing an order anymore, since this could mean losing money," according to Professor Preda's report.

The New York Times

Don't let time pass on these opportunities.

Forbes

Don't let time pass you by.

HuffPost

You have to let time pass.'.

Huffington Post

As we have learned from past experiences, we simply cannot let time pass without addressing the anger directed towards us by those who wish us harm.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternative phrases like "allowing time to elapse" or "waiting it out" to add nuance to your writing and avoid repetition. These alternatives can subtly shift the tone and emphasis of your message.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions when you could use more active language. While "letting time pass" is a valid phrase, sometimes a more direct verb like "wait" or "delay" can make your writing more concise and impactful. For example, instead of saying "A decision was made by letting time pass", you could say "We waited before making a decision".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "letting time pass" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of allowing time to elapse or allowing a situation to unfold without immediate intervention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "letting time pass" is a grammatically sound and relatively common gerund phrase used to describe the act of allowing time to elapse, often suggesting patience or non-interference. As Ludwig AI notes, the expression is correct and usable in written English. It finds frequent use in News & Media and Wiki sources, making it suitable for a range of contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or scientific writing. Understanding the nuances of this phrase and its alternatives can enhance your writing by allowing you to convey subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allowing time to elapse

Focuses on the act of time passing from a more detached perspective.

awaiting the passage of time

Emphasizes waiting and anticipation during the time that passes.

biding one's time

Suggests waiting strategically for a favorable opportunity.

waiting it out

Implies enduring a situation until it improves with time.

letting things run their course

Highlights allowing events to unfold naturally without intervention.

taking a wait-and-see approach

Emphasizes observing and delaying action until more information is available.

giving it time

Offers a general suggestion to wait and see what happens.

killing time

Focuses on occupying oneself to make time pass more quickly.

marking time

Suggests waiting without making progress or significant changes.

stalling for time

Implies deliberately delaying something for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "letting time pass" in a sentence?

You can use "letting time pass" to suggest allowing a situation to develop without immediate intervention. For example: "Sometimes, "letting time pass" is the best way to see how things will unfold".

What are some alternatives to "letting time pass"?

Alternatives include "allowing time to elapse", "waiting it out", or "giving it time", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "letting time pass" instead of taking immediate action?

It's appropriate when immediate action might be counterproductive, or when more information is needed before making a decision. "Letting things run their course" can sometimes lead to better outcomes.

Is "letting time pass" a formal or informal expression?

"Letting time pass" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "allowing time to elapse" may be preferred in academic or professional writing.