shall pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shall pass" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to convey the idea that a difficult or unpleasant situation will eventually come to an end. Example: "Even though times are tough right now, remember that this too shall pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This, too, shall pass.

The New Yorker

"This, too, shall pass.. . .

The Washington Post

People, this too shall pass.

The New York Times

This #Emergency2012 too shall pass.

The New York Times

That too shall pass.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But this too shall pass.

The Economist

These things shall pass.

The Guardian - Tech

"This shall pass," Botín said.

The Guardian - Business

But, as always, this too shall pass.

The New York Times

In other words, this too shall pass.

The New York Times - Books

In any case, this too shall pass.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shall pass" to offer comfort or reassurance in difficult times, emphasizing that the situation is not permanent. It's particularly effective when addressing anxieties or uncertainties about the future.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "shall pass" can sound archaic in modern contexts. Consider using alternatives like "will end" or "will be over" for a more contemporary feel, especially in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

Shall pass functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a future event or state. It expresses the idea that something will inevitably come to an end. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it used to offer reassurance during difficult times or to acknowledge the temporary nature of situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shall pass" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey the temporary nature of events, as verified by Ludwig AI. It's often employed to offer solace or a broader perspective during challenging times. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of the context; in contemporary settings, alternatives like "will end" might feel more natural. Keep in mind, it is more frequently found in the news and media and less in formal or scientific contents. Using "shall pass" effectively involves understanding its connotations of hope and resilience, making it a powerful tool in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will come to an end

Focuses on the termination of a situation, highlighting its finite nature.

will eventually end

Emphasizes the certainty of the situation's conclusion over time.

will not last forever

Directly states the temporary nature of the situation.

is only temporary

Highlights the present but transient state of affairs.

is not permanent

Emphasizes the lack of lasting quality in the current situation.

is fleeting

Suggests the brief and quickly disappearing nature of the experience.

will fade away

Focuses on the gradual disappearance of the situation.

is transient

A more formal way of saying something is temporary or not lasting.

is ephemeral

Implies a very short lifespan, often used in a poetic or philosophical context.

will run its course

Suggests the situation will naturally conclude after a period of time.

FAQs

How can I use "shall pass" in a sentence?

You can use "shall pass" to indicate that a current situation or feeling is temporary and will eventually end. For example, "Even this difficult time "shall pass", and brighter days will come".

What are some alternatives to "shall pass"?

Alternatives to "shall pass" include "will end", "will come to an end", or "will eventually be over". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired tone.

Is "shall pass" formal or informal?

"Shall pass" leans towards the formal side, though it's often used in inspirational or comforting contexts. In everyday conversation, phrases like "will get better" or "won't last forever" might be more appropriate.

What is the origin of the phrase "shall pass"?

The phrase "shall pass" is often associated with a story about a ring inscribed with the words "This too "shall pass"", intended to remind the wearer that neither good nor bad times last forever. It highlights the impermanence of all things.