passing notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passing notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea or thought that is temporary or fleeting in nature. Example: "The concept of a perfect society is often just a passing notion that fades with time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

To anyone with even a passing notion of Burma's Orwellian political context, this latest development is oddly predictable, even given the surreal circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

So, this isn't just some passing notion.

The Washington Post

(I did enjoy the passing notion that Lunchables are so terrifying, even rampaging warriors refuse to eat them).

The New York Times - Books

The so-called "freshman 15" -- the number of pounds college women gain during their first year -- is but a passing notion to Kate Stelnick, a 19-year-old freshman at the College of New Jersey in Ewing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

They passed notions through their mouths.

The New Yorker

Takao Toshikawa, a veteran political journalist in Tokyo, said that the conservative Abe's immediate task was to use his face time with Trump to ameliorate fears of "Japan passing" — the notion that the United States is prepared to downgrade its bedrock security ally in favor of other priorities.

The Washington Post

We mentioned in passing the notion that overweight people are clearly sloppy and lazy.

Huffington Post

Follow MIte Pearl on Twitter.

Vice

So, Palm Pre hopefuls and fanboys, is this news a deal-breaker or will you be able to get passed the notion of not actually seeing the messages before listening to them? [Pre Central via IntoMobile].

TechCrunch

It was just a notion, passing through my mind, while I waited for the kettle to stop whistling.

The New Yorker

It is unlikely that Walsh will overhaul a roster that has exceeded expectations at 21-15, and the chances of the Knicks acquiring Carmelo Anthony seem slimmer with each passing day, a notion Anthony acknowledged Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passing notion" to subtly indicate that an idea is not only brief but also perhaps not fully considered or important. This is more nuanced than simply saying "brief idea".

Common error

Avoid using "passing notion" to describe something that is actually a deeply held belief or a major consideration. The phrase downplays the importance of the idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing notion" functions as a noun phrase, where "passing" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "notion". It indicates a fleeting or temporary idea, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "passing notion" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a fleeting or temporary idea. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. It's crucial to use it accurately, avoiding overstatement of its significance. Alternatives such as "fleeting thought" or "transient idea" offer similar meanings. Understanding its nuances will help in effectively conveying the intended meaning in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting thought

Replaces "notion" with "thought" to emphasize the mental aspect and "passing" with "fleeting" for brevity.

fleeting idea

Simple substitution of "passing" with "fleeting" and "notion" with "idea".

transient idea

Substitutes "passing" with "transient", highlighting the temporary nature of the idea.

temporary idea

Replaces "passing" with "temporary" to directly state the non-permanent nature of the idea.

brief consideration

Replaces "notion" with "consideration" and "passing" with "brief" to focus on the act of thinking something over quickly.

momentary thought

Uses "momentary" instead of "passing" to emphasize the short duration of the thought.

short-lived thought

Emphasizes the brevity of the thought's existence using "short-lived".

casual thought

Replaces 'passing' with 'casual' to underscore lack of in-depth attention.

vague idea

Substitutes "passing" with "vague" to suggest that the idea isn't fully formed or clear.

cursory thought

Replaces 'passing' with 'cursory' to stress a lack of thoroughness.

FAQs

What does the phrase "passing notion" mean?

The phrase "passing notion" refers to an idea or thought that is fleeting or temporary, not given serious or prolonged consideration. It suggests a brief mental impression.

How can I use "passing notion" in a sentence?

You can use "passing notion" to describe a fleeting thought or idea, such as: "The concept of a perfect society is often just a "passing notion" that fades with time."

What are some alternatives to "passing notion"?

Some alternatives to "passing notion" include "fleeting thought", "transient idea", or "brief consideration" depending on the context.

Is "passing notion" formal or informal language?

"Passing notion" is generally considered neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "transient idea" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.