only passing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only passing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is temporary or not significant, often in the context of a brief encounter or fleeting impression. Example: "Her interest in the project was only passing, as she quickly moved on to other priorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some are only passing through.

The New York Times

(The delays proved only passing, anyway).

The Economist

Beyond that, they hear only passing pedestrians.

The New York Times

The resemblance is only passing, of course.

The New York Times - Books

They know they're only passing through.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm only passing through," I said.

The New Yorker

"We are only passing through," he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Massino's own crimes received only passing mention on Wednesday.

The New York Times

"I had only passing familiarity with this," said Mr. Earle.

The New York Times

Selmon said he had only passing knowledge of the problems.

The New York Times - Sports

There are only passing ships in a very big ocean".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the level of detail something receives, use "only passing" to indicate a brief or superficial mention. For example, "The report made "only passing" reference to the environmental impact."

Common error

Avoid using "only passing" when you intend to emphasize importance or lasting impact. This phrase minimizes significance, so ensure it aligns with your intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only passing" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier describing the extent or degree to which something is happening or being considered. Ludwig AI indicates it denotes a brief, superficial, or minimal interaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only passing" is a versatile expression used to indicate minimal engagement or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, especially in news and academic contexts. When writing, leverage "only passing" to subtly diminish the importance of a subject, but always consider alternative phrasing like "merely transient" or "superficially involved" for nuanced expressions. Remember to avoid using this expression when actually wanting to stress something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely transient

Emphasizes the fleeting nature of something, highlighting its impermanence.

simply temporary

Focuses on the limited duration, suggesting it is not meant to last.

just fleeting

Highlights the brief and quick nature of the interaction or presence.

barely touching upon

Indicates a minimal engagement with a topic or subject, lacking depth.

cursorily mentioning

Suggests a quick, superficial reference without detailed explanation.

superficially involved

Implies a lack of deep commitment or engagement.

transiently present

Underscores the short-lived existence or appearance.

briefly considering

Highlights the short duration of the thought or deliberation.

ephemerally related

Conveys that the connection is short-lived and not substantial.

tangentially connected

Suggests a slight or indirect relationship, not central or significant.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "only passing" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "merely transient", "superficially involved", or "transiently present" to convey the same meaning while maintaining a higher level of formality.

What does it mean when something receives "only passing" attention?

When something receives "only passing" attention, it means it is acknowledged briefly or superficially, without significant focus or detailed examination. It implies the subject is not considered a priority or of major importance.

How do I use "only passing" to show something is not important?

Use "only passing" to describe elements that have minimal significance or are just briefly mentioned. For instance, "The minutes contained "barely any" detail about the budget discussion, with "only passing" references to actual figures."

Is it correct to use "just passing" instead of "only passing"?

While "just passing" can sometimes be used similarly to "only passing", it often implies a more literal sense of movement or transition. "Only passing" is generally preferred when referring to attention, interest, or involvement because it emphasizes the lack of depth or commitment.