time sped by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time sped by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where time seems to pass quickly, often due to engaging or enjoyable activities. Example: "As we laughed and shared stories around the campfire, I couldn't help but notice how time sped by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But for most of the audience, including me, the time sped by during Musica Sacra's exceptional performance.

The New York Times - Arts

Trump claimed Democrats were "desperate for infrastructure" and told the New York Times in April: "I think it's going to be one of the very bipartisan bills and it's going to happen". But the time sped by.

The Guardian

The time sped by, and finally, there was the chance to get up before dawn and watch, with hundreds of others, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge approach in gray light, then the Statue of Liberty, then Ellis Island.

The New York Times - Travel

The allotted time sped by, and I was shocked when I checked my watch.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Recaptured Past Time, speeding by, threatens to obliterate the past.

The New York Times

It isn't that the time has sped by.

The New York Times

Like the free fall, our time together sped by too fast.

Princeton University

There is a character in Joseph Heller's novel Catch-22, Dunbar, who tries to solve the problem of time speeding up by only doing boring things.

The Guardian

To make them glow brighter, but for less time, speed up the reaction by running them under hot tap water.

WikiHow

Well, tell me that the next time Daniel Glass speeds by you in his vegetable-oil powered Mercedes wagon.

Huffington Post

At that dinner, at an Upper West Side restaurant, they said that time seemed to speed by.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "time sped by" to vividly describe situations where time seems to pass much faster than anticipated, typically due to engagement or enjoyment. It adds a sense of dynamism to your writing.

Common error

While appropriate in many scenarios, avoid using "time sped by" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "time passed quickly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time sped by" functions as an idiomatic expression describing the subjective experience of time passing quickly. It's often used narratively to convey a sense of brevity or engagement, consistent with Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time sped by" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the feeling that time has passed quickly. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid and effectively conveys the subjective experience of time moving rapidly, often due to engaging or enjoyable activities. While most prevalent in News & Media, it's important to consider context and audience when selecting this phrase, as more formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "time passed quickly". The examples provided showcase how "time sped by" can add vividness to descriptive writing, emphasizing the brevity and impact of specific moments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time flew by

Uses a different verb to emphasize the quick passage of time.

time raced by

Uses a different verb to emphasize the rapid movement of time.

time passed quickly

A more literal and straightforward way of saying time went by fast.

time slipped away

Suggests a subtle and perhaps unnoticed passage of time.

time vanished

Emphasizes the disappearance of time, implying it went by very quickly.

time marched on quickly

More formal and emphasizes the relentless progression of time.

hours melted away

Uses a metaphor to describe how time seemed to dissolve.

moments evaporated

Suggests a delicate and quick disappearance of moments.

the clock ticked fast

Focuses on the perception of the clock moving rapidly.

time blurred

Implies that the passage of time was indistinct and rapid.

FAQs

What does "time sped by" mean?

The phrase "time sped by" means that a period of time passed very quickly, often because the person experiencing it was enjoying themselves or was very busy.

What can I say instead of "time sped by"?

You can use alternatives like "time flew by", "time passed quickly", or "time slipped away" depending on the context.

Is "time sped by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "time sped by" is grammatically correct. "Sped" is a valid past tense form of the verb "speed".

In what context is it best to use the phrase "time sped by"?

The phrase "time sped by" is best used in informal and narrative contexts when you want to emphasize the quick passage of time, especially when something enjoyable or engaging was happening.