time passes by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'time passes by' is correct and is used in written English.
You can use it when referring to the passing of time in a more general sense. For example, "As time passes by, I'm beginning to understand how valuable life is."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

"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 passes by and you look at portraits," Cartier-Bresson once said, "the people come back to you like a silent echo.

The Guardian - Arts

Dusko Ilic, a stem cell scientist at King's College London, said: "As time passes by, the differences will be more and more pronounced, especially personality traits.

The Guardian

However, as time passes by, and things go out of hand, Ralph matures and realises life is not all about how many friends you have and how popular you are, nor is it - sigh - about having fun.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 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

"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

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

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

BBC

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

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time passes by" to describe the general progression of time without specific focus on speed or impact. It's suitable for neutral observations about the unfolding of events or changes.

Common error

While "time passes by" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "time elapses" or "time progresses" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time passes by" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, describing the general progression or elapsing of time. Ludwig AI's examples show its use in various contexts, indicating a straightforward description of time's movement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time passes by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the progression of time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and identifies it as common across various sources, notably news, science, and general writing. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to moderately formal contexts. For heightened formality, consider alternatives such as "time elapses". Remember to use "time passes by" to convey the general unfolding of time, without specific connotations of speed or impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time goes by

A more colloquial and common way to express the same idea.

time elapses

Focuses on the completion of a period.

time progresses

Emphasizes the forward movement of time.

time advances

Similar to progresses, but with a slightly more formal tone.

time marches on

Implies an unstoppable and relentless passage of time.

time slips away

Highlights the unnoticed and gradual passing of time, often with a sense of loss.

time wears on

Suggests a slow and sometimes tedious passing of time.

the clock ticks

Emphasizes the continuous and measurable passage of time.

days go by

Focuses specifically on the passage of days.

years roll on

Emphasizes the passage of many years.

FAQs

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

You can use "time passes by" to describe the general progression of time. For example, "As "time passes by", our understanding of the universe deepens."

What are some alternatives to "time passes by"?

Alternatives include "time goes by", "time elapses", or "time progresses", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is "time passes by" formal or informal?

"Time passes by" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. More formal alternatives exist, like "time elapses", which might be preferable in academic or professional contexts.

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

While both are very similar, "time goes by" is more colloquial and frequently used in everyday conversation, whereas ""time passes by"" is a bit more neutral and can fit into a broader range of contexts.