passing trends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'passing trends' is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about fads or styles that are popular for a short time before quickly becoming out of style or forgotten. For example, you could say: "The most recent passing trend is the neon clothing craze that infiltrated the fashion world last summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

This is not a label that panders to passing trends: instead, there is a vaguely 1920s retro feel to the label which gives it a timeless quality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Mr. Ulmer has weathered all passing trends and has finally found himself back in a standard jazz quartet, with the pianist John Hicks, the bassist Reggie Workman and the drummer Rashied Ali.

The New York Times

Sure, it might make the occasional nod to passing trends – pea puree becomes chicken ballotine becomes goji berries – but it still unwaveringly churns out the same old guff in the same old way without deviation all year round.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And the big idea, as suggested by the title, takes the form of another question, one that a lot of people have been asking in these postidentity, postpolitical days: beyond the flim-flam of passing trends, where does art go from here?

The New York Times - Arts

They stand aside from fashion and the folly of passing trends, making music that appeals to their own scattershot minds.

BBC

Here, age-old traditions are not passing trends but an assertion of identity in the face of disenfranchisement and can often be a matter of life and death.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This is no passing trend.

The Guardian - Travel

Todd Champagne, an owner of Happy Girl Kitchen, said homesteading is more than a passing trend.

The New York Times - Food

"We think this is the start of an industrywide philosophical shift, not a passing trend," Ms. Gurley said.

The New York Times

This has reached a scale where it isn't just a passing trend, but an evolution of the entire sector that is being driven strongly by consumer engagement.

The Guardian

"Macron seems willing to listen and wants to reform, but let's see if he'll last or whether he's just a passing trend," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passing trends" to describe phenomena that are popular for a brief period but lack lasting significance. This can apply to fashion, technology, or even social movements.

Common error

Avoid using "passing trends" to describe fundamental changes in society or technology that are likely to have a lasting impact. Reserve the phrase for fads and fleeting interests.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing trends" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes phenomena that are popular for a short period.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passing trends" is a useful way to describe fads and fashions that are popular for a short time, but are unlikely to have a lasting impact. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is considered grammatically correct. The phrase is most frequently used in news and media contexts, and to a lesser extent in encyclopedias and wiki articles. When using this phrase, be mindful of its neutral register and avoid using it to describe long-term shifts. Consider alternatives like "fleeting fads" or "temporary crazes" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting fads

Emphasizes the short duration and ephemeral nature of the trend.

temporary crazes

Highlights the intense but brief popularity of the trend.

short-lived fashions

Specifically refers to trends in clothing or style that don't last long.

ephemeral vogues

A more formal way of describing trends that are quickly out of date.

here-today-gone-tomorrow fads

An idiomatic expression stressing the rapid disappearance of the trend.

transient tendencies

Focuses on the temporary and changeable nature of behavioral patterns or preferences.

momentary inclinations

Suggests a brief and often superficial interest in something.

vanishing customs

Implies cultural practices that are disappearing rapidly.

brief manias

Highlights a period of widespread enthusiasm or obsession that fades quickly.

short-term fixations

Implies an intense but temporary focus on a particular thing or idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "passing trends" to describe short-lived fads. For example, "The fashion industry is often driven by "fleeting fads" and "passing trends".".

What are some alternatives to "passing trends"?

Some alternatives to "passing trends" include "fleeting fads", "temporary crazes", or "short-lived fashions", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a passing trend" or "passing trends"?

Both are grammatically correct. "A passing trend" refers to a single, short-lived fad, while "passing trends" refers to multiple such fads or the general phenomenon of short-lived fads.

What's the difference between "passing trends" and "emerging trends"?

"Passing trends" are fads that are quickly disappearing, whereas "emerging trends" are new developments that are gaining traction and may have a long-term impact.