sped by

USAGE SUMMARY

"sped by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiom meaning to move quickly, passing quickly or going past quickly. For example: We sped by the other cars on the highway, eager to get home.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then Contador sped by.

The New York Times - Sports

Racers sped by.

The New York Times - Arts

The hour sped by.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The flight sped by.

The Guardian - Music

But the cars sped by without stopping.

The New York Times

"Mornin'," he sang as he sped by.

The New Yorker

And the miles sped by.

The Guardian

Now, the forest sped by.

The New York Times - Travel

"You're cheating!" he panted in German as I sped by.

The New York Times - Travel

The hours sped by on wings of boiler plate.

The Guardian - Books

Suffice it to say, the hour sped by.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sped by" to vividly describe the quick passage of objects, people, or time, adding a sense of dynamism to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "sped by" to describe something stationary. It should only be used when something is actively moving or time is passing quickly. For instance, instead of saying "The house sped by", which doesn't make sense unless the house is moving, consider "We sped by the house."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sped by" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of something moving quickly past a specific point or observer. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Travel

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sped by" is a grammatically sound and commonly used idiom for describing rapid movement or passage, whether of objects, people, or time. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with travel and sports also being common areas of use. While versatile, it should be used carefully to ensure it accurately reflects swift motion or passage, avoiding static scenarios. Alternatives like "raced past" or "flashed by" can offer subtle differences in meaning. This phrase helps to add dynamism and vividness to writing when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raced past

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of moving quickly; implies a race or contest.

whizzed past

Conveys a sense of speed accompanied by a distinctive sound.

flashed by

Highlights the brief and quick nature of the passing.

zoomed past

Suggests a rapid and often sudden movement.

hurried past

Emphasizes the haste or urgency of the movement.

darted by

Implies a quick and sudden movement, often unexpected.

shot past

Conveys a sense of being propelled quickly.

blew past

Indicates a forceful and effortless passing.

sailed through

Suggests an effortless and smooth passage, often used metaphorically for time.

flew by

Implies rapid movement or the quick passage of time.

FAQs

How can I use "sped by" in a sentence?

You can use "sped by" to describe something moving past a point quickly, as in "The race car "raced past" the finish line" or to describe the passage of time, like "The summer "flew by"."

What are some alternatives to "sped by"?

Alternatives include "raced past", "whizzed past", "flashed by", or "zoomed past". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "sped by" formal or informal?

"Sped by" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

Can "sped by" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "sped by" can be used metaphorically to describe the passage of time or opportunities, as in "The chance "flashed by" before I could seize it" or "The years "flew by"."