past which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "past which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a point in time or a location that has already been surpassed or exceeded. Example: "There is a deadline past which no submissions will be accepted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There is always a point past which words fail.

The New Yorker

We will not be restricted to our past, which was by and large neurological".

The New York Times

Tells about the devastating floods of the past, which are now prevented.

The New Yorker

It's about the past, which is irreversible, but also the future.

The New York Times

We're saying look at what we've done in the past, which typifies everyone in the category".

The New York Times

And the seeming loss of the past, which now feels forever out of reach.

The New Yorker

The psyche has a boundary past which it is not safe to travel, but people do.

The New Yorker

He has made the future feel like the past, which is what George Lucas does best.

The New Yorker

He's just there, in the past, which is fully outfitted with tuxes, cocktails, and feather boas.

The New Yorker

It's the best way to reconnect with our past, which is why it soothes us so.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Chronicles and records of Mosul's rich past — which dates to antiquity — perished along with the books.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "past which" to clearly define deadlines or limits in formal communication. For instance, "There's a date "past which" no further appeals will be considered".

Common error

Avoid using "past which" in casual conversation. Alternatives like "after" or "beyond" are more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The store is closed "past which" time", say "The store is closed after that time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past which" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a relative clause. It modifies a noun or pronoun, specifying a time, condition, or limit that must not be exceeded. Ludwig AI examples showcase its role in setting boundaries and deadlines.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "past which" serves as a prepositional phrase that introduces a relative clause indicating a boundary or limit that must not be exceeded. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence in news, science, and formal contexts. While not exceedingly common, its usage is well-established. For informal scenarios, consider "after that" or "beyond that". Remember that using "past which" will bring clarity when clearly define deadlines or limits, especially in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beyond which

Indicates exceeding a limit or boundary, similar to "past which" but with a stronger sense of surpassing.

after which

Specifies a point in time following a particular event or condition, emphasizing sequence rather than boundary.

following which

Similar to "after which", but implies a more direct consequence or immediate sequence.

subsequent to which

A more formal way to say "after which", emphasizing a chronological sequence.

at which point

Emphasizes a specific moment when something changes or a new stage begins.

from when

Focuses on the starting point of a duration or condition, rather than a limit.

upon which

Highlights the moment something happens immediately following a trigger or condition.

once

Implies a condition being met, leading to a specific outcome or situation.

from there on

Focuses on continuing or progressing after an event or boundary has been reached.

until

Indicates a duration leading up to a specific point or event, contrasting with "past which" which focuses on the area beyond.

FAQs

How to use "past which" in a sentence?

You can use "past which" to indicate a point in time or a limit that, if exceeded, results in a specific outcome. For example, "There is a deadline "past which" no submissions will be accepted".

What can I say instead of "past which"?

You can use alternatives like "beyond which", "after which", or "from when" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "past which" or "after that"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different levels of formality. "Past which" is more formal and is often used in official communication, while "after that" is more casual and suitable for informal conversation.

What's the difference between "past which" and "following which"?

"Past which" indicates a limit or boundary, while "following which" implies a chronological sequence. For example, "There's a budget limit "past which" we cannot spend more", versus "The presentation will start, "following which" there will be a Q&A session".