time pass by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time pass by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the idea of time moving forward. For example, "As time passes by, I think of all the memories we made together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The history of mankind is, for that matter, defined by this contradiction: to watch time pass by, and to try to count it, or to halt it.

The Guardian - Books

Even a smartphone game you play in the supermarket is organising your resources, in this case time, by giving you an activity, sparing you a feeling of watching time pass by.

The Guardian

"Make a clock on TV and watch time pass by".

BBC

In order to best utilize the network resources, the AQoS is dynamically updated as the multimedia service time pass by.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

With the time pass by, the copy distribution speed become slower, it is because of that the probability of encounter the nodes which have not the copy is lower than the initial process.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Those who choose to lament and dwell on the what-ifs will watch time pass by.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

CHALLENGE Hunger and thirst starts to set in by the afternoon, and the time passes by slowly.

The New York Times

(Esbjornson shows time passing by periodically projecting slides of current events on the rear wall of John Lee Beatty's evocative set).

The New Yorker

"As time passes by," Ms. Fernandez said, "it gets harder and harder to take care of two babies".

The New York Times

The Time Machine received an Academy Award for special effects for its time-lapse photography depicting the world changing quickly as time passes by.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"As time passed by, I found he was interested in hearing the special sound of the piano and was gifted in playing piano".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a prolonged or uneventful duration, use "time pass by" to emphasize the feeling of waiting or the lack of activity.

Common error

Be careful not to use "time pass by" in contexts where the passing of time is already implied. For example, avoid phrases like "as time continues to pass by", as it is unnecessarily repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time pass by" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the progression or elapsing of time. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to describe the movement of time, often when it feels slow or uneventful. It's particularly useful in describing a state of waiting or anticipation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time pass by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the progression of time, often with an emphasis on the subjective experience of its passage. According to Ludwig AI, its usability is confirmed. While it can be used across various contexts, it's most prevalent in news and media, scientific publications, and general writing, reflecting its versatility. When writing, it is better to use the phrase to describe prolonged or uneventful durations. Remember to consider other alternative such as "time elapses" or "time goes by" to avoid redundancy or achieve a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time goes by

A very close synonym, differing primarily in word choice.

time elapses

Focuses on the completion of a time period, often used in more formal contexts.

time marches on

Implies an inevitable and unstoppable progression of time.

time slips away

Suggests a sense of loss or the fleeting nature of time.

time wears on

Implies a slow and sometimes tedious progression of time.

time progresses

Similar to 'time advances' but can also suggest a more structured or planned progression.

time advances

A more formal way of indicating the progression of time.

time rolls on

Implies a continuous and often uneventful progression of time.

time unfolds

Suggests a gradual revelation or development over time.

the hours tick by

Focuses specifically on the passing of hours, often with a sense of monotony or anticipation.

FAQs

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

You can use "time pass by" to describe the experience of time elapsing, especially when it feels slow or uneventful. For example: "Watching the clock made the "time pass by" even slower."

What's a more formal alternative to "time pass by"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "time elapses" or "time progresses", which convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

Is it correct to say "time passes by" instead of "time pass by"?

Yes, "time passes by" is grammatically correct and more common, especially in formal writing. However, ""time pass by"" is also used, particularly in informal contexts or when emphasizing the continuous nature of the action.

What's the difference between "time goes by" and "time pass by"?

The phrases "time goes by" and ""time pass by"" are largely interchangeable and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific rhythm and flow of the sentence.