the deadline passed

USAGE SUMMARY

"the deadline passed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts and is often used to describe a missed opportunity or a missed deadline for a task or project. Example: Despite my best efforts, the deadline for submitting the project passed and I was unable to turn it in on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At 5pm local time the deadline passed.

Independent

On Saturday, the deadline passed.

The New York Times

The deadline passed on Wednesday.

The Guardian - Money

The deadline passed Tuesday without any report of a beheading.

The New York Times

The deadline passed with the U.S. government insisting on the right to ban Internet gambling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But when the deadline passed last weekend, they found that the number had risen 40percentt.

The New York Times

The deadline passed with little comment by Mr. Kerry or the State Department.

The New York Times

Last week the deadline passed for staff to be in post to count.

The Guardian

As the deadline passed, her son Jeremy stopped by her house.

The New York Times

The deadline passed without an agreement or substantive negotiations between the companies.

The New York Times - Tech

Israeli officials declined to comment, but airstrikes and rocket fire continued after the deadline passed.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the deadline passed", clearly state the consequences or implications of the deadline being missed to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the deadline passed" without specifying what deadline passed. Always provide the context to ensure clarity for your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the deadline passed" primarily functions as a statement of fact. It indicates that a specific time limit or due date has expired. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples in Ludwig show it used across diverse contexts, all conveying this core meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the deadline passed" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to denote the expiration of a specified time limit. As Ludwig AI notes, its primary function is to state a fact, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase frequently informs about missed opportunities or the conclusion of a set period. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying which deadline has passed. While alternatives exist, such as "the time limit expired", "the deadline passed" remains a direct and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the time limit expired

Uses 'time limit' instead of 'deadline' and 'expired' to convey the end of the period.

the cutoff date has elapsed

Employs 'cutoff date' as a synonym for 'deadline' and uses 'elapsed' to indicate time passing.

the appointed time is over

Replaces 'deadline' with 'appointed time' and uses 'is over' to denote completion.

the period has concluded

Substitutes 'deadline' with 'period' and 'passed' with 'concluded' for a formal tone.

the final day went by

Rephrases to emphasize the passing of the last day for something.

the submission window closed

Specifically refers to a 'submission window' closing, implying a formal process.

the opportunity is gone

Focuses on the lost opportunity due to the passing of the deadline.

it's too late now

A more general expression indicating that the time for action has passed.

time's up

An informal way to say that the allotted time has finished.

we missed the boat

An idiomatic expression meaning we missed our chance or opportunity.

FAQs

How can I use "the deadline passed" in a sentence?

You can use "the deadline passed" to indicate that a specific time limit for something has expired. For example, "The deadline passed, and we were unable to submit the application on time".

What can I say instead of "the deadline passed"?

You can use alternatives like "the time limit expired", "the cutoff date has elapsed", or "the opportunity is gone" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the deadline was passed"?

While grammatically understandable, "the deadline passed" is more common and direct. "The deadline was passed" sounds passive and is less frequently used.

What's the difference between "the deadline passed" and "the deadline is approaching"?

"The deadline passed" indicates that the time limit has already expired, while "the deadline is approaching" means that the time limit is nearing but has not yet been reached.