weeks went by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weeks went by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the passage of time, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "As the project progressed, weeks went by, and the team began to feel the pressure of the approaching deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Weeks went by.

The New York Times

Weeks went by, months.

The New York Times

Another two weeks went by.

The New York Times

Weeks went by with no sex.

The New York Times

The weeks went by.

The New York Times

Weeks went by without signs of improvement.

The New York Times - Arts

The two weeks went by so fast.

The New York Times

Seven weeks went by – seven!

The Guardian

"Two weeks went by," he says.

The Guardian - Music

Weeks went by with no reply.

The New York Times - Style

Weeks went by and no one came.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weeks went by" to create a sense of narrative flow, indicating the progression of time between events or changes in a story.

Common error

While "weeks went by" effectively indicates the passage of time, be mindful of providing sufficient context for the reader to understand what occurred during those weeks. Avoid using it as a filler phrase without meaningful details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weeks went by" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating the passage of time. Ludwig examples show it setting the scene and connecting events across a period of several weeks, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "weeks went by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for indicating the passage of time. According to Ludwig AI, it’s generally used in a neutral register and primarily found in News & Media contexts. Alternatives like "weeks passed" or "time elapsed" can provide variety in your writing. While effective, it's essential to provide sufficient context when using this phrase to avoid vagueness. By understanding its function and usage, you can effectively incorporate "weeks went by" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weeks passed

A more concise and direct way of saying "weeks went by".

time elapsed

Focuses on the measurement of time passing.

time marched on

Emphasizes the relentless and unstoppable nature of time.

as time wore on

Indicates that something changed or developed over a period of time.

the days drifted by

Implies a slow and uneventful passage of time.

the weeks rolled on

Suggests a continuous and perhaps monotonous passage of time.

several weeks transpired

More formal and emphasizes the occurrence of events during that time.

the time slipped away

Focuses on the unnoticed or regretted passing of time.

a period of weeks unfolded

A more descriptive and literary alternative.

the following weeks unfolded

Similar to "a period of weeks unfolded" but focuses on subsequent events.

FAQs

How can I use "weeks went by" in a sentence?

You can use "weeks went by" to indicate the passage of time between two events or situations. For example, "Weeks went by after the initial meeting, and we still hadn't received a response."

What are some alternatives to "weeks went by"?

Some alternatives include "weeks passed", "time elapsed", or "several weeks transpired", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "weeks went by"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "weeks went by" can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider varying your phrasing with alternatives for a more engaging style.

How does "weeks went by" differ from "months went by" or "years went by"?

"Weeks went by" refers to a shorter period than "months went by" or "years went by". Use the phrase that accurately reflects the duration of time you wish to convey.