passing whim

USAGE SUMMARY

"passing whim" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe an emotion that comes over a person quickly and then fades away just as quickly. For example, "She was overcome with a passing whim of sadness as she listened to the old song."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"They buy one to make an environmental statement".It remains to be seen if hybrids are a passing whim, and how long their complex transmissions last.

The Economist

"Until I see him carrying on with L," he wrote to Vanessa Bell, "I must give up trying to imagine what happens - it beggars my fancy". Keynes's feelings for Lopokova were more than a passing whim, as were hers for him.

The Guardian - Books

It works so well because the interest is clearly not a passing whim, as the well-judged assemblage of remixers – Shackleton, Orphx, Miles and Deadbeat – suggests.

The Guardian - Music

Think for a moment: if previous board members had hocked the family jewels to follow a passing whim in acquisitions, the galleries would be bare.

The New York Times

Some things are destined for a museum, while others get resold in the parking lot or in a hotel bedroom, or back in Verhoeven's loos, the unlucky and unlikely dupes of a moment's enthusiasm or a passing whim.

The Guardian - Arts

Immersing yourself in a particular subject for three years and having the determination to engage in real and sustained independent intellectual struggle requires greater motivation than a passing whim.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But fitness and dietary choices sometimes seem like passing whims, and couples who push their health habits on guests can come across as controlling.

The New York Times

Laissez-faire is a perfectly appropriate philosophy for markets and democracies, but when it comes to faith, those of us who are proud Catholics understand that the truth about church doctrine comes not from our passing whims and fancies, but from God.Lisa Wolski.

The Economist

One of the criticisms often levelled at political songs written by pop stars in the 1980s was that these tracks tended to be ill-focused polemics or even offensive flights of fancy; that they were little more than passing whims of the ill-informed and loosely engaged.

The Guardian - Music

There is plenty in that package that will appeal to voters across the political spectrum, and I believe that we will be respected for not simply letting our policy stance be dictated by the passing whims of the temporary positioning of the other two parties.

The Guardian - Opinion

As Leica itself says: "Classics are works that are immune to the passing whims of the present.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passing whim" to describe decisions or actions that lack serious consideration or long-term planning. For example, "He bought the sports car on a passing whim."

Common error

Avoid using "passing whim" when describing something that is intended to be permanent or has deep emotional significance. Opt for terms like "long-held ambition" or "cherished dream" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing whim" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a preposition or verb. It describes a temporary or fleeting impulse or desire. Ludwig's examples illustrate this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "passing whim" is a noun phrase that describes a fleeting and often irrational impulse or desire. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While alternatives such as "fleeting desire" or "temporary impulse" exist, "passing whim" effectively conveys the lack of careful consideration behind a decision or action. It is important to avoid using it when describing long-term aspirations or deeply significant emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting desire

Emphasizes the transient nature of the desire.

temporary impulse

Focuses on the sudden and short-lived urge.

momentary fancy

Highlights the whimsical and brief attraction.

brief inclination

Stresses the short duration of the leaning or preference.

short-lived notion

Indicates a concept or idea that doesn't last long.

transient urge

Underscores the fleeting nature of the compelling desire.

sudden caprice

Highlights the impulsive and unpredictable nature.

hasty notion

Emphasizes the speed with which the idea is formed and discarded.

temporary fad

Describes something that is popular for only a short time.

passing infatuation

Focuses on a short-lived feeling of intense but unrealistic admiration.

FAQs

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

You can use "passing whim" to describe a sudden desire or impulse that is not carefully considered. For example: "She redecorated her entire apartment on a "passing whim"".

What can I say instead of "passing whim"?

You can use alternatives like "fleeting desire", "temporary impulse", or "momentary fancy" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to make big decisions based on a "passing whim"?

Generally, making significant decisions based solely on a "passing whim" is not advisable, as it suggests a lack of forethought and consideration. It's often better to weigh the pros and cons before acting.

What's the difference between "passing whim" and "strong desire"?

"Passing whim" refers to a fleeting, often irrational impulse, while "strong desire" implies a more intense and sustained longing for something.