time goes by

USAGE SUMMARY

"time goes by" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the passing of time in many contexts, such as the following example: "It's been ten years since we graduated, and time goes by so quickly!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time goes by really fast between races.

The New York Times

As time goes by, that belief grows.

The Economist

"Time goes by so slow..

The Guardian

Time goes by, and their stay lengthens.

The New York Times

"But it's inevitable as time goes by.

The Guardian

We're all changing as time goes by".

The New York Times

Time goes by, and there are differences.

The New York Times

The time goes by quick make the most of it!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"As time goes by, people forget," Pitt told me.

The New Yorker

As time goes by more will be revealed".

The Guardian

Time goes by, and the water level gets higher.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time goes by" to emphasize the continuous and often unnoticed passage of time. It's effective in reflecting on changes or developments that occur gradually.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, avoid using "time goes by" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise phrases like "as time elapses" or "over the course of several years" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time goes by" functions as an intransitive expression indicating the progression of time. It's a common way to express that time is elapsing, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

16%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time goes by" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe the passing of time. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing, opting for more precise alternatives. Understanding its nuances can help writers effectively convey the sensation and impact of time's passage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as time passes

Focuses on the act of time elapsing, similar to "time goes by" but with a slightly more active sense.

with the passage of time

Emphasizes the effect of time's passing on something, adding a sense of consequence.

as time elapses

Similar to "as time passes", but more formal and emphasizes the measurable aspect of time.

in due course

Implies that something will happen at the appropriate time, with a sense of inevitability.

as time marches on

A more vivid and emphatic way of saying time is passing, suggesting relentless progress.

over time

A simple and direct way to indicate that changes occur gradually.

with time

Similar to "over time", but can also imply that something improves or develops.

as the years roll on

Focuses specifically on the passage of years, often with a sense of nostalgia or reflection.

as the days go by

Highlights the daily progression of time, often implying a routine or monotony.

down the line

Indicates a point in the future, suggesting that changes or developments will occur eventually.

FAQs

How can I use "time goes by" in a sentence?

You can use "time goes by" to describe the passage of time and the changes that occur as a result. For example, "Time goes by so quickly when you're having fun."

What are some alternatives to "time goes by"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as time passes", "over time", or "with the passage of time", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "time goes by" formal or informal?

"Time goes by" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "as time elapses".

How does the meaning of "time goes by" differ from "time passes"?

While similar, "time goes by" often emphasizes the feeling that time is moving without one's active awareness. "Time passes" is a more general statement about the progression of time without necessarily implying a subjective experience.