past the window

USAGE SUMMARY

"past the window" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has gone or passed beyond a window. For example, "The bird flew past the window in a flash of wings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He walked past the window.

The New Yorker

Scores of pedestrians began running past the window.

The New York Times

The outskirts of London rushed past the window.

The New York Times - Magazine

"One day, Chen walked outside, past the window".

The New Yorker

S.E.C. agents disguised as dolphins swim past the window outside.

The New Yorker

You see these little bald children running past the window.

The Guardian

She woke up if a bird flew past the window.

The New Yorker

As we spoke, a white stretch Hummer slid past the window.

The New Yorker

The leaves of the aspen tree that leaned past the window flickered in the breeze.

The New Yorker

The rush of the countryside past the window is prime entertainment.

Independent

"Hmm," we wonder aloud, as the future hurtles past the window.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "past the window" to vividly describe motion or presence relative to a specific viewpoint. This phrase works effectively in both descriptive and narrative contexts to provide spatial orientation.

Common error

Avoid using "past the window" when you intend to describe something that is stationary near the window. Opt for phrases like "by the window" or "near the window" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past the window" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the direction or path of movement relative to a window, describing how something moves in relation to it. Ludwig provides several examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "past the window" is a prepositional phrase used to describe movement or location relative to a window. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's commonly found in news and media sources, serving to provide spatial context and visual detail, often with a neutral or slightly informal tone. While its frequency is high, remember to use it appropriately to describe motion, distinguishing it from static locations "by" or "near" the window.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beyond the window

Emphasizes a position farther away from the window's perspective.

outside the window

Focuses on the location being external to the window.

across the window

Suggests movement from one side of the window's view to the other.

by the window

Indicates proximity to the window, rather than movement.

in view of the window

Highlights visibility from the window's perspective.

in front of the window

Highlights a position directly facing the window.

within sight of the window

Emphasizes that something is visible from the window.

outside the pane

More specific, referring to the glass pane itself.

in the window's view

Focuses on what can be seen from the window.

alongside the window

Indicates something is moving parallel to the window.

FAQs

How can I use "past the window" in a sentence?

You can use "past the window" to describe something moving or located outside and beyond a window's frame, such as "A bird flew "past the window"" or "The parade marched "past the window"".

What are some alternatives to "past the window"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "beyond the window", "outside the window", or "in front of the window", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "past the window" and "by the window"?

"Past the window" implies movement, indicating something has gone beyond the window’s view. In contrast, "by the window" suggests proximity or location near the window, without necessarily implying movement.

When is it incorrect to use the phrase "past the window"?

It's generally incorrect to use "past the window" if you want to describe a stationary object near the window. In those instances, "by the window" or "near the window" are more appropriate.