passage of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"passage of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the passing of time, like in the sentence "The passage of time has allowed us to reflect on the events of the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is it just the passage of time?

The Economist

The passage of time made nothing clearer.

The New York Times

The passage of time changes nothing.

The New York Times

The passage of time.

Harvard University

The passage of time, "even..

The New York Times - Books

"Passage of Time" (Warner Bros).

The New York Times

inexorable passage of time of physical processes.

University of California, Berkeley

Over the passage of time, tyranny revisits.

The Guardian

The passage of time was so slow.

The Washington Post

Then there is the passage of time.

The New York Times - Books

Was it simply the passage of time?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passage of time" to emphasize the transformative effect of time on events, people, or situations. For example, "The passage of time has softened the sharp edges of the conflict."

Common error

Avoid using "passage of time" when you simply mean a specific duration. Instead of "During the passage of time, the experiment was monitored", use "During the experiment, it was monitored" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passage of time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes the progression and experience of time itself. For instance, Ludwig shows the use of "passage of time" in examples from news and academic domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

26%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passage of time" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase that effectively communicates the progression and impact of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. Its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific contexts highlights its suitability for formal communication. While alternative phrases such as "lapse of time" or "progression of time" may be used to convey similar meanings, "passage of time" offers a balanced and widely understood expression for describing the unfolding of temporal duration. Remember to use it when you need to emphasize the transformative effect of time and avoid using it when describing a specific duration. The phrase is very common, and a hallmark of clear and effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lapse of time

Focuses on the interval that has passed.

progression of time

Emphasizes the forward movement of time.

flow of time

Highlights the continuous and fluid nature of time.

elapsing of time

Stresses the act of time going by.

march of time

Suggests a steady and relentless advancement of time.

temporal progression

A more formal way of referring to the advance of time.

unfolding of events

Shifts the focus to the events that occur over time.

passing years

Refers specifically to the progression of years.

course of history

Highlights how time influences historical events.

temporal duration

Describes the length of time that something exists.

FAQs

How can I use "passage of time" in a sentence?

You can use "passage of time" to refer to the way time elapses or its impact on something. For example, "The "passage of time" had changed the landscape significantly."

What are some alternatives to "passage of time"?

Some alternatives include "lapse of time", "progression of time", or "flow of time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "passing of time" instead of "passage of time"?

Yes, "passing of time" is a similar and often interchangeable phrase with "passage of time". Both refer to the way time goes by.

How does the "passage of time" affect historical events?

The "passage of time" can alter perspectives on historical events, influence their interpretation, and even change their significance as new evidence or contexts emerge.