this will pass

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This will pass away".

The New Yorker

But, he said, this will pass.

The New York Times

I know this will pass.

The New York Times

We've been assured that this will pass.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This will pass," one Saints official said.

The New York Times - Sports

In two weeks, this will pass.

The New York Times

All of this will pass me by.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think this will pass," he said.

The New York Times

Remind yourself that this will pass.

Harvard Business Review

"Slowly but surely, all this will pass," she said.

The New York Times

Whether this will pass muster politically is something else.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this will pass" to offer reassurance during temporary setbacks or challenges, reminding others (or yourself) that the situation is not permanent.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "this will pass" as a response to every problem. While it's reassuring, it can sound dismissive if used without genuine empathy or effort to address the underlying issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this will pass" functions as an affirmation or reassurance. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to convey the temporary nature of a situation, offering comfort that current difficulties are not permanent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this will pass" is a commonly used expression intended to offer reassurance and perspective during difficult times. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and conveys the temporary nature of current challenges. It functions as an affirmation and is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news and media to personal conversations. While highly versatile, it's crucial to use the phrase with empathy and avoid over-reliance on it, ensuring it doesn't diminish the feelings of others. Alternatives such as "it won't last forever" or "things will get better" can offer similar support in different ways. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, we can effectively use "this will pass" to provide comfort and encourage resilience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this too shall pass

Adds a more traditional and widely recognized variation of the sentiment.

it won't last forever

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the situation.

it's only temporary

Directly states the transient quality of the experience.

the moment will fade

Focuses on the eventual disappearance of the current difficulty.

things will get better

Shifts the focus to a more positive future outcome.

this is just a phase

Suggests that the situation is a part of a larger, evolving process.

it's not the end of the world

Offers perspective by downplaying the severity of the situation.

time heals all wounds

Imparts a broader, more philosophical view of recovery.

it's all downhill from here

Implies that the worst is over and things will now improve.

the storm will eventually subside

Uses metaphorical language to describe the end of a difficult period.

FAQs

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

You can use "this will pass" to offer comfort during a difficult time, reminding someone that their current suffering is temporary. For example: "I know you're feeling overwhelmed, but "this will pass"."

What is the origin of the saying "this too shall pass"?

The exact origin is debated, but the sentiment of "this too shall pass" has appeared in various forms throughout history, often in folklore and philosophical writings, to convey the impermanence of both good and bad times.

What can I say instead of "this will pass" to offer support?

Alternatives to "this will pass" include "it won't last forever", "things will get better", or "it's only temporary". The best choice depends on the specific situation and the person you're trying to support.

Is it insensitive to say "this will pass" to someone who is grieving?

While the intention is often good, saying "this will pass" to someone grieving can sometimes feel dismissive of their pain. It's important to offer empathy and listen to their feelings before offering such reassurances. A more empathetic approach might be, "I'm so sorry you're going through this. I'm here for you," followed by, if appropriate, "This will pass, but it's okay to not be okay right now."