time passed rapidly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time passed rapidly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where time seems to go by quickly, often in the context of enjoyable or engaging experiences. Example: "As we sat around the campfire sharing stories, time passed rapidly, and before we knew it, it was already midnight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time passes quickly.

The New Yorker

A wish for the end of life to be short, for time to pass rapidly or to die quickly was classified as OWD; the patient had never explicitly requested an act to accelerate death.

BMC Palliative Care

Days, weeks, months passed, rapidly.

Independent

Clouds passed rapidly overhead, presaging rain.

The New Yorker

The latter are big creatures with a slow metabolic rate, for whom time passes relatively rapidly.

The Guardian

This is what leads to time passing more rapidly.When we are young, each second of actual time is packed with many more mental images.

Harvard University

He's talking about the famous "twin paradox": If one identical twin jumps in a spaceship and zooms off to explore outer space at near the speed of light, while the other stays behind, when the traveling twin returns, he will be shocked to find his brother has aged far more rapidly -- because time passed more slowly for him than for his twin.

Los Angeles Times

Conodonts are very useful fossils in the identification and correlation of strata, as they evolved rapidly, changing many details of their shapes as geologic time passed.

Britannica

Our economies grew rapidly in the 1950s and 1960s, but our debts did not, making them more and more manageable as time passed.

BBC

Time passed.

The New York Times

Has enough time passed?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase; while grammatically correct, alternatives might provide a more nuanced or vivid description depending on the situation.

Common error

While grammatically sound, consistently using "time passed rapidly" in formal writing might sound repetitive. Diversify your language with synonyms like "time elapsed swiftly" or "time sped by" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time passed rapidly" functions as a statement describing the rate at which time progresses. Ludwig indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time passed rapidly" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the quick passage of time, often associated with engaging or enjoyable experiences. While not exceptionally common, it's appropriate for various contexts, from news articles to academic papers. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides examples demonstrating its usage. Consider alternative phrases like "time flew by" or "time went by quickly" for stylistic variation. Be mindful of overuse in formal writing, opting for synonyms to maintain a sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time flew by

This alternative uses a more figurative expression to emphasize the quick and seemingly effortless passage of time.

time sped by

A more concise and dynamic way to express the rapid passage of time.

time went by quickly

This is a straightforward and direct alternative, maintaining a similar level of formality.

time passed in a flash

This idiom emphasizes the sudden and almost instantaneous feeling of time passing.

time elapsed swiftly

This option is more formal and emphasizes the completion of a time interval in a rapid manner.

the days rushed past

This alternative emphasizes the speed at which entire days seemed to disappear.

time slipped away rapidly

This option implies a sense of time being lost or missed due to its quick passage.

time marched on quickly

This phrase personifies time, suggesting its relentless and quick forward movement.

time vanished quickly

This suggests that time disappeared almost without notice, highlighting its rapid and elusive nature.

the hours melted away

This phrase uses a metaphor to describe how time seems to dissolve and disappear quickly.

FAQs

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

You can use "time passed rapidly" to describe how quickly time seems to move, especially during engaging or enjoyable experiences. For example: "As we sat around the campfire sharing stories, "time passed rapidly", and before we knew it, it was already midnight."

What are some alternatives to "time passed rapidly"?

Alternatives include "time flew by", "time went by quickly", or "time sped by", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "time passed rapidly" formal or informal?

"Time passed rapidly" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "time elapsed swiftly" might be preferable in academic or professional writing.

What makes "time passed rapidly" different from "time passed slowly"?

"Time passed rapidly" indicates that time seemed to move quickly, often due to engagement or enjoyment, while "time passed slowly" suggests that time seemed to drag, usually because of boredom or discomfort. The adverb drastically changes the perception of time's passage.