passing pleasure

USAGE SUMMARY

"passing pleasure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express a brief or fleeting moment of joy. For example, "She took passing pleasure in the beautiful view from the balcony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It is not a passing pleasure, which humans share with animals.

The Guardian - Books

But in most respects her show was music of the moment, a night-life accessory and a passing pleasure.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet, this, from Sir Paul McCartney, should serve as a poignant reminder, that the natural urge for self preservation is inherent within us all: "I realised, I am killing him- all for the passing pleasure it brings me.

Independent

Conor's father (Toby Kebbell) lives in Los Angeles and puts in a rare appearance, taking him to an amusement park for a day of passing pleasure that doesn't make a dent in Conor's crisis.

The New Yorker

This week saw the passing of a man who brought enormous, if passing, pleasure to Britain: Brian Sollitt, creator of After Eight mints, Yorkies, Matchmakers and Lion bars in the course of a long career as chocolatier at Rowntree's in York.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"The French are great optimists: they seize upon every good that flies, and revel in passing pleasures," Washington Irving wrote, and this is how it seemed in my dream, where life was gentler than back home.

The New Yorker

Yet there's a deep seriousness in every one of these poems, like the plaintive "Midlife Lullaby," in which the cow who is now the meatloaf in somebody's sandwich speaks of life's passing pleasures as hauntingly as one of those skeletons who tend to pop up in medieval allegories to remind young knights of their mortality.

The New York Times - Books

And it is my experience that for this reason, we cannot experience joy, which is the happiness that stems from becoming our true selves, and should be distinguished from passing pleasures.

Huffington Post

Sure, there are passing pleasures, there are the sensory delights of the human experience (jasmine flowers! chiles rellenos! dark chocolate! sweet newborn babies! sex!), but they pale in comparison to the enduring bliss of source.

Huffington Post

This is what passes for pleasure in a cancer hospital.

The New York Times

It is a perfect vignette of a failure so profound it passes for pleasure.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passing pleasure" to describe experiences that provide immediate but not lasting enjoyment. This can add nuance to your writing, differentiating it from more profound or enduring sources of happiness.

Common error

Avoid using "passing pleasure" to describe deeply meaningful or transformative experiences. This phrase diminishes the significance of events that have a lasting impact. Consider using stronger terms to describe profound sources of joy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing pleasure" functions as a noun phrase, where "passing" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "pleasure". Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It often describes something that provides temporary enjoyment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "passing pleasure" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a fleeting moment of joy or enjoyment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage for referring to ephemeral delights. While not frequently encountered (classified as 'Rare'), it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media where the transience of experiences is often highlighted. Remember to use it judiciously, reserving it for truly temporary sources of enjoyment and avoiding its application to more profound or enduring states of happiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting joy

Emphasizes the brief duration of the joyful experience.

momentary delight

Highlights the instantaneous nature of the pleasure.

transient amusement

Focuses on the fleeting quality of the amusement.

ephemeral gratification

Implies that the satisfaction is very short-lived and not particularly deep.

short-lived enjoyment

Directly states that the enjoyment does not last long.

temporary satisfaction

Suggests a fulfillment that is only present for a limited time.

brief happiness

Highlights the concise timeframe during which happiness occurs.

fleeting satisfaction

Similar to "fleeting joy", but focuses on satisfaction rather than joy.

momentary indulgence

Conveys the idea of giving in to a desire for a short period.

quick thrill

Emphasizes the exciting and immediate, yet short-lived, sensation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "passing pleasure" in a sentence?

Use "passing pleasure" to describe a brief moment of enjoyment or satisfaction that doesn't have a lasting impact. For example, "She found "passing pleasure" in the beautiful sunset".

What are some alternatives to "passing pleasure"?

Alternatives include "fleeting joy", "momentary delight", or "transient amusement", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "passing pleasure" in formal writing?

Yes, "passing pleasure" is appropriate for formal writing, although it may be more common in descriptive or narrative contexts. Ensure the tone and context align with the level of formality required.

What's the difference between "passing pleasure" and "true happiness"?

"Passing pleasure" refers to a temporary source of enjoyment, while "true happiness" implies a deeper, more enduring state of well-being. /s/True+happiness typically comes from meaningful connections and personal fulfillment.