passage of

USAGE SUMMARY

"passage of" is a grammatically correct phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of something passing (or being passed) through a specified space or time. Here are some examples of how it can be used: - The passage of time is a constant reminder of our mortality. - The passage of the river through the mountains was breathtaking. - The passage of the bill through Congress was met with much opposition. - The passage of the car through the narrow alleyway was risky. - The passage of the sun through the sky marks the passing of each day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Is it just the passage of time?

The Economist

It secured passage of the Dream Act.

The New York Times - Arts

The passage of time made nothing clearer.

The New York Times

It was a strange passage of play.

The New York Times - Sports

"Passage of this legislation is critical.

The New York Times

The passage of time changes nothing.

The New York Times

After the passage of the amendment, Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Passage of Time" (Warner Bros).

The New York Times

It blocks passage of health care reform.

The New York Times

"It reflects the intergenerational passage of life".

The New York Times

Then there is the passage of time.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "passage of" to describe time, ensure the context clearly indicates the subject experiencing the passage (e.g., "the passage of years" rather than just "passage of").

Common error

Avoid using "passage in" when describing time or legislation. The correct preposition is almost always "of" (e.g., "passage of time" not "passage in time").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passage of" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of something moving through a specific space or time, or the approval/enactment of something like a law. Ludwig AI confirms that "passage of" follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "passage of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English. As shown by Ludwig AI, its main function is to indicate the progression or transition associated with events, time, or legislation. The phrase finds its application across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, science, and formal business settings. When writing, ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning, whether it's the flow of time or the enactment of a law, and avoid common prepositional errors. Alternatives like ""enactment of"" or "passing of" can be considered depending on the level of formality and specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase's versatility and widespread usage make it a valuable asset in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passing of

This alternative is a direct synonym and can be used interchangeably in many contexts, referring to the act of something being passed or approved.

enactment of

This alternative emphasizes the formal process of a law or regulation being put into effect, similar to the "passage of" legislation.

approval of

This alternative highlights the action of formally agreeing to something, such as a bill or proposal, akin to its "passage of" approval.

adoption of

This alternative suggests the acceptance and implementation of a new idea, method, or law, much like the "passage of" a new policy.

ratification of

This alternative focuses on the formal confirmation or validation of an agreement or treaty, much like the "passage of" a resolution.

implementation of

This alternative refers to the act of putting a plan or system into effect, similar to the "passage of" a new program.

lapse of

This alternative specifically refers to the progression of time, similar to the "passage of" time.

progression of

This alternative highlights the continuous development or movement forward, like the "passage of" a process or event.

transition of

This alternative emphasizes a change from one state or condition to another, like the "passage of" power or authority.

conclusion of

This alternative suggests the ending or completion of a period or process, such as the "passage of" a term or project.

FAQs

How is "passage of" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "passage of" typically refers to the enactment or approval of laws, bills, or amendments. For example, "the "enactment of" the bill" or "the "approval of" the amendment" are common usages.

Can I use "passage of" to describe the movement of people?

While less common, "passage of" can describe movement through a specific area, especially in formal writing. More common alternatives include "movement through" or "transit through". However, using "crossing of" or "transit of" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to "passage of time"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives such as "lapse of time", "progression of time", or simply "time passing". These options can emphasize different aspects of the temporal process.

Is there a difference between "passing of" and "passage of"?

While "passing of" is often used as a synonym, "passage of" is generally preferred in more formal contexts, particularly when referring to legislation or the completion of a process. "Passing of" is more common when discussing the death of someone.