months passed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "months passed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the passage of time, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "Months passed, and the once vibrant garden began to wither under the harsh winter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Months passed.

The New York Times

Weeks, months passed.

Independent

Another five months passed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Six months passed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Days, weeks, months passed, rapidly.

Independent

And so two months passed.

The New Yorker

Sometimes months passed between them.

The New Yorker

Months passed without a word.

The New York Times

Two months passed.

The Guardian - Books

The months passed.

The New York Times - Sports

Months passed without success.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "months passed" to create a sense of duration or to emphasize a period where little or no significant action occurred. It works well in narratives to bridge events or show the gradual development of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "months passed" when describing something that happens quickly or immediately after a previous event. This phrase is designed to show a period of duration and not immediacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "months passed" functions as an intransitive clause element, indicating a period of time has elapsed. As Ludwig AI describes, this phrase effectively conveys the passage of time in a narrative or descriptive context. It does not require a direct object and primarily serves to advance the story or set a scene.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science & Research

9%

Formal & Business

4%

HuffPost

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "months passed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that effectively conveys the passage of time. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, this phrase serves to create a sense of duration in narratives. While alternatives such as "time elapsed" or "time went by" exist, "months passed" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice for indicating the elapsing of time between events. To ensure proper usage, avoid using the expression to imply immediate events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time went by

This is a simpler, more common way to describe the passing of time.

time elapsed

This alternative uses a more formal vocabulary to express the concept of time passing.

time marched on

This alternative provides a vivid image of time moving forward relentlessly.

the weeks turned into months

This emphasizes the gradual accumulation of time, focusing on the transition from weeks to months.

some months transpired

This phrase uses a formal vocabulary to indicate the passing of months.

as time rolled on

This phrase uses a more figurative and descriptive language.

the days turned into weeks and months

This alternative highlights a gradual passing of shorter periods before mentioning months.

a period ensued

This option is a more formal, less common phrase indicating a period following a specific event or time.

a span of months unfolded

This is a more descriptive and evocative way to express the passing of months.

seasons came and went

This alternative evokes a sense of the larger cycles of time passing.

FAQs

How can I use "months passed" in a sentence?

You can use "months passed" to indicate a period of time has elapsed between events, for example, "Months passed, and the garden began to show signs of neglect".

What are some alternatives to saying "months passed"?

Some alternatives include "time elapsed", "time went by", or "a period ensued", depending on the desired formality and context.

Is it appropriate to use "months passed" in formal writing?

Yes, "months passed" is appropriate for formal writing, though alternatives like "time elapsed" may be preferred for a more sophisticated tone.

What is the nuance of using "months passed" compared to "the months went by"?

"Months passed" is a more concise and direct way to indicate the passage of time, while "the months went by" can feel more descriptive and emphasize the experience of time passing. The best choice depends on the desired tone and focus of your writing.