time is passing by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time is passing by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the passing of time, particularly when time is an important factor in a situation. For example, "We only have three days before the deadline, and time is passing by quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Time is passing by fast and due to the weather stress of this year our internship had to be cut to four weeks.

Cornell University

Time is passing by fast and according to our checklist, we were supposed to be knee deep in our passion by age 25.

Huffington Post

"Right now a moment of time is passing by... we must become that moment".

The New York Times

That yearning would be echoed in a haunting ballad called "Hope in a Hopeless World" in which Mr. Roy sings: You gotta listen to the voice inside you That speaks of love Don't compromise Realize That time is passing by.

The New York Times

All that is happening now it sounds is time is passing by and the debt is just growing.

Huffington Post

Postwar kids might feel like time is passing by with other images: the stunning tail-fin cars of the '50s, fun footage of drive-ins (the best of which are still in Southern California) and a sweet, sad valedictory to the "Howdy Doody Show," capped with comments by host "Buffalo Bob Smithh, who still does a live version of the show for kids.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It is as if their time were passing by infinitely faster than yours.

Cornell University

When her first husband and their child gave her a serving dish ("a lively red and covered with white flowers") for Valentine's Day, her reaction was not gratitude but "anger that she had entered the unromantic era of life," and that "her child was in cahoots with her father in giving her this awful gift, this mirror in which she saw herself as someone whom time was passing by".

The New York Times - Books

The bill, which was the most costly disaster aid package at the time, was passed by Congress as House Resolution 5620 on September 18, and signed into law by President Bush on September 23.

Wikipedia

The pictures the women came up with -- innocent paintings, some as simple as a street corner in Washington Heights, a watch surrounded by the words "Time is passing you by" -- are on display at White Box, alongside Mr. Maguire's portraits of the women.

The New York Times

Still, he worries that time is passing him by.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time is passing by" to create a sense of urgency or to emphasize the importance of acting quickly. For example, "The deadline is fast approaching, and "time is passing by"."

Common error

Avoid using "time is passing by" excessively in casual conversation. More direct phrases like "time flies" or "we're running late" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time is passing by" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, describing the continuous progression of time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. The subject "time" performs the action of "passing by".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time is passing by" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that effectively conveys the ongoing progression of time. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for emphasizing the continuous nature of time's flow. Its usage spans diverse contexts, notably news media, academic circles, and general communication, maintaining a neutral register that adapts across scenarios. While versatile, care should be taken to avoid overuse in overly casual exchanges, where more direct phrases may resonate better. Semantically similar alternatives include "time elapses" and "time marches on", each offering a nuanced perspective on the passage of time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time progresses

A more formal and neutral way to describe the movement of time.

time elapses

Focuses on the completion of a segment of time.

time marches on

Emphasizes the relentless and unstoppable nature of time.

time flies

Indicates that time seems to pass quickly.

time runs out

Focuses on the end of an available time period.

the clock is ticking

Highlights the pressure of a deadline or limited time available.

the days go by

Emphasizes the passage of days specifically.

moments slip away

Highlights the loss of individual moments within the passage of time.

the sands of time are flowing

A more poetic and metaphorical way to describe the passage of time.

the hours drift by

Suggests a slow or uneventful passage of time.

FAQs

What does "time is passing by" mean?

The phrase "time is passing by" indicates that time is progressing or elapsing, often emphasizing that it is doing so continuously and potentially quickly.

How can I use "time is passing by" in a sentence?

You can use "time is passing by" to express the continuous progression of time, such as in the sentence, "We need to make a decision soon because "time is passing by"."

What are some synonyms for "time is passing by"?

Alternatives include "time elapses", "time marches on", or "time flies", each with a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "time is passing me by"?

Yes, "time is passing me by" is a correct and common variation. It implies that time is progressing without the speaker actively participating or benefiting from it, and it can suggest a feeling of regret or missed opportunities.