passing of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"passing of time" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to refer to the gradual movement towards the future, and can be used relatively generally or to refer to a specific time period. For example, "The passing of time has led to many changes in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Everything else can switch and change like the passing of time".

Vice

Because it signifies the passing of time?

The New Yorker

The passing of time, of course.

The New York Times

"I love the passing of time".

The New Yorker

And the passing of time is not baneful but exhilarating.

The New York Times - Arts

The ticking of the clock marks the passing of time.

The Guardian

The passing of time can transform your perceptions of art.

The New York Times

She handles the passing of time with a magician's finesse.

The Guardian - Books

The passing of time did nothing but strengthen that.

The New Yorker

But both say they are feeling the passing of time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

You can't capture the passing of time on a piece of paper.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passing of time" when you want to emphasize the effects or changes that occur as time progresses. It is particularly effective when discussing history, aging, or the evolution of ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "passing of time" when you want to describe how quickly or slowly something happens. Instead, use phrases like "time flies" or "time drags" to describe the subjective experience of time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing of time" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to the continuous progression from past to future. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is a common phrase used across many different types of texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “passing of time” is a common and versatile noun phrase used to describe the continuous progression of time and its effects. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. When writing, use “passing of time” to emphasize duration, change, or the impact of time on events and avoid confusing it with phrases that describe speed. For alternative ways to express this concept, consider using phrases like "progression of time" or "lapse of time" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progression of time

Replaces "passing" with "progression", emphasizing the forward movement of time.

flow of time

Substitutes "passing" with "flow", highlighting the continuous and uninterrupted nature of time.

march of time

Uses "march" instead of "passing", suggesting a steady and inevitable advance of time.

lapse of time

Emphasizes the interval or duration that has gone by.

course of time

Highlights the natural and expected sequence of events over time.

advancement of time

Focuses on the forward movement and development associated with time.

unfolding of time

Suggests a gradual revelation or development over time.

trajectory of time

Implies a path or direction that time follows.

progression through time

Rephrases the original to highlight movement within the temporal dimension.

temporal evolution

Uses more formal language to describe the changes occurring over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "passing of time" to describe changes or effects that occur as time progresses. For example, "The "passing of time" has brought many technological advancements."

What phrases are similar to "passing of time"?

Similar phrases include "progression of time", "lapse of time", and "flow of time". These alternatives can add variety to your writing.

Is "passing of time" formal or informal?

"Passing of time" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it versatile for various writing styles.

Can "passing of time" be used to describe something speeding up?

No, "passing of time" refers to the progression of time itself, not the speed at which events occur. Use other expressions to describe speed, such as "time flies" or "time marches on".