passage by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passage by" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be an attempt to convey the idea of something being overlooked or ignored, but it is not a commonly used expression. Example: "The important details seemed to passage by without anyone noticing."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

BRIGHT'S PASSAGE, by Josh Ritter.

The New York Times - Books

BRIGHT'S PASSAGE, by Josh Ritter (Dial, $22).

The New York Times - Books

Passage by that group would not be as certain.

The New York Times

She quotes a passage by Mr. Macbeth from it.

The New Yorker

James has lengthened the passage by a third.

The New Yorker

They would also depend on passage by Congress.

The New York Times

An easy passage by the Council is predicted.

The New Yorker

Passage by a wide majority in the Senate seemed assured.

Independent

His most recent victory was the passage by Parliament of the Iraqi-American security agreement.

The New York Times

It will also be much wider to allow passage by the biggest container ships.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The warnings would be passage-by-passage, and effectively reach "a compromise between protecting students and defending their civil liberties".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In many contexts, "passage by" can be improved by rephrasing with a stronger verb or specifying the means of passage more clearly.

Common error

Avoid using "passage by" in formal or academic writing where more precise and grammatically standard phrases are expected. Opt for clearer alternatives like "approved by" or "enacted by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passage by" often functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, indicating the process or means through which something is passed or approved. Ludwig AI also suggests this is not correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passage by" is frequently used across various contexts to indicate the means or agent through which something passes or is approved. However, Ludwig AI indicates it's not correct in standard written English. Grammatically, it can be imprecise, and more formal alternatives like "enactment by", "approval by", or "adoption by" are often preferable, particularly in formal or academic writing. While common in news and media, clarity and precision should guide usage, opting for stronger verbs and specific agents where possible to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearance by

Emphasizes receiving authorization or permission from an authority.

enactment by

Focuses specifically on the formal approval or enactment of a law or policy.

adoption by

Highlights the formal acceptance or implementation of something by an organization or group.

changeover by

Emphasizes a transition or shift facilitated or controlled by a particular entity.

transit by

Highlights the act of passing through a specific location or system.

promulgation by

Focuses on the official declaration or publication of a law or decree.

passing by

Implies a physical movement in proximity, lacking the element of permission or authorization.

voyage by

Suggests a journey or extended travel via a particular mode or route.

crossing by

Refers to the act of traversing a boundary or obstacle, often implying a challenge.

step by

Indicates a brief visit or a stage in a process, less formal than the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "passage by" correctly in a sentence?

While frequently used, consider alternatives like "approved by", "enacted by", or "authorized by" for better clarity and grammatical correctness.

What are some alternatives to "passage by"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "adoption by", "ratification by", or "approval by".

Is "passage by" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, the phrase "passage by" is often considered grammatically weak. Alternatives may offer improved clarity and precision in formal writing.

How does "passage by" differ from "passed by"?

"Passage by" often refers to a process or means through which something passes, whereas "passed by" ("passed by") typically indicates that something has been approved or moved beyond a certain point.