time passed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time passed by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the passing of time, usually in a figurative sense. For example, "Years went by as we watched our children grow up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"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

At full time there was just chance to draw breath and then extra time passed by in a giddy blur with most Palace fans gleefully accepting the honourable draw and a replay.

The Guardian - Sport

MLB has taken up the job of ensuring the moment isn't lost to time passed by, retiring no42 league-wide in 1997, later declaring 15 April to be celebrated as Jackie Robinson Day on a perennial basis in 2004.

The Guardian - Sport

But as time passed by, he was clearly enjoying his status.

BBC

As time passed by, all the MoSNs will be repaired to the IM state and the system will be back to the normal value.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

As the initial energy of nodes is reduced and as time passed by, advanced nodes will have the same CH selection probability like the normal ones.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

(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

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

As the time passes by, more and more people surf through the Internet using mobile devices compared to a desktop computer.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Intuitively, with the time passing by, the support for the reform implemented in t=1 will gradually increase, since future cohorts benefit from the reform.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

My dad not wanting to drive anymore was a marker of time passing by.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time passed by" to describe the general experience of time elapsing, especially when emphasizing a change or transition that occurs over time. For instance, "As time passed by, I began to appreciate the small things in life."

Common error

Avoid using "time passed by" in contexts that require a specific past action. Instead of saying "The event happened after time passed by", use "The event happened after some time had passed" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time passed by" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the process of time elapsing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English. The examples show it used to describe changes and experiences that occur as time progresses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time passed by" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the elapsing of time and its consequential effects. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. Found across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific publications, the phrase serves to narrate changes, developments, and experiences that unfold as time progresses. While generally neutral in register, its use is widespread, marking it as a versatile and valuable addition to one's vocabulary for depicting the flow of time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time went by

Uses "went" instead of "passed", maintaining the core meaning of time elapsing.

time moved on

Similar to "time went by" but with a slightly different nuance.

time elapsed

More formal; replaces a phrasal verb with a single verb.

as time went on

Adds a sense of progression or continuation.

with the passage of time

More descriptive, focusing on the act of passing.

as time unfolded

Suggests a more gradual and revealing process.

time marched on

Figurative, implying an unstoppable progression.

the years flew by

Specifically refers to years and suggests a rapid passing.

time slipped away

Emphasizes the unnoticed or regretted passing of time.

as the days turned into weeks

More specific timeframe than the original query, which is more general.

FAQs

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

You can use "time passed by" to indicate the elapsing of time and the changes that occur during that period. For example, "As "time passed by", the city transformed into a bustling metropolis."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "time passed by"?

Alternatives include phrases like "time went by", "time elapsed", or "as time went on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "time was passed by"?

No, "time was passed by" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is ""time passed by"", which indicates that time has elapsed.

What is the difference between "time passed by" and "time passes by"?

"Time passed by" refers to a time that has already elapsed, while "time passes by" refers to time elapsing in general or as a continuous process. For example, "Time passed by quickly during the summer vacation" versus "Time passes by whether we are happy or sad."