time passed quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time passed quickly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an instance in which time went by very quickly, usually in a moment of enjoyment or anticipation. For example, "The night of the party felt like it was over in a blink of an eye – time passed quickly as we danced and laughed together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Thus, what had seemed so grave a question at the time passed quickly into obscurity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But I didn't mind being alone and I found that once I'd settled into a pace, the time passed quickly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yes, time passed quickly, even though, as far as we could make out, it had practically stopped for us.

The Guardian - Travel

Time passed quickly, a fact that Minecraft makes players very aware of, with a square-shaped sun programmed to rise and set every 20 minutes.

The Guardian - Tech

Bouts of bad weather slowed the journey to Tirana, the Albanian capital, but the time passed quickly for Nicholson, who was distracted by his furry friend.

The Washington Post

Not knowing how to respond, I said nothing, one foot crossed uncomfortably in front of the other in what had been, initially, an attempt at bold informality but, as time passed, quickly began to feel like an effeminate posture that would help only in the case against my confidence and assertiveness.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Time passes quickly.

The New Yorker

"Here the time passes quickly".

The New York Times

Time passes quickly for a dancer.

The New Yorker

What made time pass quickly was Mr. Bronfman's astonishing performance.

The New York Times - Arts

"Time passes quickly," Miss Ross philosophized after the final notes.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time passed quickly" to convey a sense of enjoyment, engagement, or absorption in an activity that makes time seem to move faster than usual.

Common error

Avoid using "time passed quickly" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "time flew by" or "time went by fast" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time passed quickly" functions as a statement describing the subjective perception of time. It indicates that the duration of an event or period felt shorter than its actual length. As Ludwig AI explains, it reflects enjoyment or engagement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time passed quickly" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe the subjective experience of time moving faster than anticipated, often due to enjoyment or engagement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common expression found across various contexts, though synonyms might be preferable in more formal settings. While the phrase is appropriate in diverse written and spoken scenarios, varying word choice enhances writing quality. Analysis of sources shows frequent use in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts. Utilizing practical writing guidance can refine clarity and impact when expressing the swift passage of time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time flew by

Uses a more metaphorical expression to indicate how fast time seemed to go.

time went by fast

Replaces 'passed quickly' with a more common phrasing.

time hurried past

Emphasizes the rapid movement of time.

time slipped away

Suggests time was lost without being noticed due to its speed.

time elapsed rapidly

A more formal way of saying time passed quickly.

moments sped by

Focuses on individual moments passing very quickly.

the hours vanished

Emphasizes the disappearance of time, making it seem very short.

time dissolved

Presents time as fading away quickly.

days disappeared in a flash

Highlights the suddenness and speed with which days passed.

time evaporated

Implies time vanished as quickly as evaporating water.

FAQs

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

You can use "time passed quickly" to describe an event or activity that you enjoyed, making the duration seem shorter. For instance, "The concert was so captivating that "time passed quickly"."

What's a more vivid way to express that time went by fast?

Instead of "time passed quickly", you could say "time flew by", "time went by fast", or "the hours vanished", each adding a slightly different nuance to the experience.

Is it appropriate to use "time passed quickly" in formal writing?

Yes, "time passed quickly" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, for very formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "time elapsed rapidly".

How does "time passed quickly" differ from "time passed slowly"?

"Time passed quickly" suggests an enjoyable or engaging experience, making time seem shorter. In contrast, "time passed slowly" implies boredom, discomfort, or anticipation, causing time to drag.