passing of joy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passing of joy" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in a poetic or metaphorical context to describe the fleeting nature of happiness or joy. Example: "In the passing of joy, we often forget to cherish the moments that truly matter."

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Save the Children and its Board of Trustees, senior management team, its staff and children in need in the U.S. and around the world mourn the passing of Joy M. Ruane, widow of former Save the Children donor William J. Ruane, on October 12, 2006.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Eurydice" is ultimately about the painful choice that comes with the passing of joys and pleasures: whether to remember, in sadness, or to forget, and achieve a calm but emptier equilibrium.

The New York Times

But there was something -- a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth -- that passes for joy in the Gray Zone.

The New York Times

Vámos's novel chronicles a Hungarian family from 1705 until the present, as its members pass down their recollections of joy and hardship in the carefully preserved manuscript of the title.

The New Yorker

She looked him in the eyes, and, very slowly, brought her face up close to his, and when he felt her breath on his mouth and saw the delicate trembling of her puckered top lip, a shudder of joy passed through him with such force that he would almost certainly have fallen backwards into the cigar rack if Anezka hadn't caught him at the last moment and pressed him firmly against her body.

Vice

"It had both the sadness of a passing and the joy of celebration," Gainey said of the ceremony.

The New York Times - Sports

"This too shall pass" sums up the ache of joy and sorrow travelers encounter in Israel whenever they go, and the fleeting obligation to partake of both.

The New York Times - Travel

This is a story that explicitly counterpoints the passing joys of youth and love (here called the "lovely things … that didn't endure, and the lovelier for that") with that unending glorious earth, the only thing left, now that the sea of faith has retreated.

The Guardian - Film

When your heart is full of joy the minutes pass quickly in bliss.

Huffington Post

When people dream of a loved one who has passed, they usually experience a sense of joy and peace.

Huffington Post

Don't expect squeals of joy if you're passing out share certificates at holiday time.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "passing of joy" when you want to emphasize the transient or fleeting nature of happiness. This phrasing is particularly effective in poetic or reflective writing.

Common error

Avoid using "passing of joy" in highly formal or technical writing where a more direct term like "fleeting happiness" or "transient pleasure" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing of joy" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used to describe the fleeting nature of happiness. It acts as a noun modifier, adding a layer of temporality to the experience of joy. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is not commonly used but is acceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passing of joy" describes the transient nature of happiness. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI indicates it's not a commonly used phrase, with simpler alternatives often preferred. It carries a neutral to slightly melancholic tone, suitable for reflective writing. Primary contexts include news and media, as well as formal and business communication. Remember to use "passing of joy" when you specifically want to emphasize the temporary nature of happiness, and consider more direct terms like "fleeting happiness" or "transient joy" in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief joy

Simple and direct way to describe short-lived joy.

fleeting happiness

Focuses on the temporary nature of happiness.

transient joy

Emphasizes the short-lived quality of joy.

momentary pleasure

Highlights the brief duration of pleasure.

the fading of joy

Emphasizes the gradual disappearance of joy.

ephemeral delight

Conveys the fleeting and delicate nature of delight.

the decline of joy

Suggests a reduction in the intensity of joy.

the cessation of joy

Highlights the ending or stopping of joy.

the wane of joy

Implies a gradual decrease in the strength of joy.

the ebb of joy

Uses a metaphorical image of the tide going out to describe joy diminishing.

FAQs

How can I use "passing of joy" in a sentence?

You can use "passing of joy" to describe a brief or fleeting moment of happiness, as in "The passing of joy was bittersweet, knowing it wouldn't last."

What are some alternatives to "passing of joy"?

Alternatives include "fleeting happiness", "transient joy", or "momentary pleasure".

Is "passing of joy" a common phrase in English?

While grammatically correct, "passing of joy" is not a particularly common phrase. Simpler alternatives are often preferred in everyday language.

What is the connotation of "passing of joy"?

The phrase "passing of joy" often carries a slightly melancholic or reflective connotation, emphasizing the temporary nature of happiness and the awareness of its eventual disappearance.