that will pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that will pass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to convey the idea that a difficult or unpleasant situation is temporary and will eventually come to an end. Example: "I know you're feeling overwhelmed right now, but remember, that will pass, and things will get better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I tell him that will pass.

The New York Times

Only it's my life that will pass!

The New Yorker

"This interest in land is not something that will pass".

The New York Times

Some Cameron allies insist the travails are just a blip that will pass.

Independent

To some analysts, the labor dispute is a summer squall that will pass.

The New York Times

Their best hope is that this is a tabloid storm that will pass.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The result could be a cycle of poverty that will pass down from generation to generation," the authors warned.

The New York Times

I've known it for 24 hours," Nora tells McGrath, who responds, "Sounds like a stomach bug that will pass".

The New York Times - Books

His strategy: find a light, workable look that will pass muster at work and at meetings, and stick with it.

The New York Times

Some strategists in Washington believe Clinton should simply sit tight and ride out a storm that will pass quickly.

The Guardian

He insisted that the protest against the arrest was "a cloud in the sky that will pass away".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that will pass" to offer reassurance or perspective in situations where someone is experiencing temporary hardship or difficulty. For example, "The initial shock is always difficult, but that will pass."

Common error

While "that will pass" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal or professional writing. Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "the situation is transient" or "the challenge is temporary" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that will pass" functions as a relative clause providing additional information about a noun or situation. It modifies the noun by indicating its temporary nature. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that will pass" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase functioning as a relative clause to indicate the temporary nature of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, it also appears in scientific and encyclopedic sources. For more formal settings, alternatives like "the situation is transient" may be preferable. The phrase serves to reassure and provide perspective, reminding us that current challenges are not permanent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this too shall pass

A common idiom emphasizing the transient nature of experiences, both good and bad; slightly more emphatic.

it will blow over

Suggests that a situation, usually negative, will subside or be forgotten with time; more informal.

it will run its course

Implies a natural progression and eventual end to a situation; more neutral and clinical.

it will come to an end

A simple and direct statement that something will finish; less nuanced.

it is only temporary

Highlights the limited duration of something; more focused on duration.

it is not permanent

Emphasizes the lack of permanence; similar to 'it is only temporary'.

it will be over soon

Suggests an imminent end; focuses on the near future.

it shall be ratified

Refers specifically to formal approval or confirmation; more formal and legalistic.

it shall be sanctioned

Similar to 'ratified', implying official permission or approval; very formal.

it shall be legislated

Specifically relates to the passing of a law; highly specific and formal.

FAQs

How can I use "that will pass" in a sentence?

You can use "that will pass" to indicate that a situation or feeling is temporary and will eventually end. For example, "I know you're feeling overwhelmed right now, but remember, "that will pass", and things will get better."

What's a more formal alternative to "that will pass"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "this situation is transient" or "the challenge is temporary" instead of "that will pass". These alternatives maintain a professional tone.

Is "that will pass" an idiom?

While not strictly an idiom, "that will pass" is a common expression used to convey the idea that something is temporary and not permanent. A very similar idiom is "this too shall pass".

Which is correct, "that will pass" or "this will pass"?

Both "that will pass" and "this will pass" are grammatically correct and convey essentially the same meaning. The choice between them often depends on the specific context and what you are referring to. "That" often refers to something already mentioned, while "this" can refer to something immediate or present.