with each passing second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with each passing second" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a feeling of time passing quickly or to emphasize the passing of time in general. For example, "The suspense was building with each passing second."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

With each passing second I wanted out.

The Guardian - Sport

Do you know what phrase has less and less meaning for me with each passing second?

The New Yorker

Be sure to make sure your WiFi is turned on, or watch your data costs soar with each passing second.

The Guardian

One obstacle for would-be parking capitalists is that the tickets lose value with each passing second.

The New York Times

With each passing second, he spoke faster, like a boy eager to show off a model airplane and impatient for you to share his enthusiasm.

The New Yorker

The woman's body stiffened with each passing second as she sat anxiously in the back row of a 14-person limousine.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

With every passing second, we were being pulled farther out to sea.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sollers listens, nodding from time to time, his boredom increasing with every passing second.

The New Yorker

My certainty that there were bears just outside the zippered front flap grew with every passing second.

The New York Times - Travel

Charlotte has become more comfortable with hostile, pro-Becky crowds with every passing second of this feud.

Forbes

It built with every passing second, with every step toward the field.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with each passing second" to heighten tension or emphasize urgency in your writing. It effectively conveys the feeling of time slipping away.

Common error

Avoid relying on "with each passing second" too frequently in descriptive scenes. While effective, overuse can make your writing feel repetitive and predictable. Vary your descriptions with other time-related phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with each passing second" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner or rate at which something is happening or changing. It specifies that the action intensifies or progresses continuously as time elapses, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Huffington Post

15%

The New York Times

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with each passing second" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express the continuous progression of time and its intensifying effects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct and usable in written English. Appearing frequently in news and media sources, it conveys urgency, suspense, or a growing sense of something significant happening. While effective, remember to avoid overuse for stylistic variation. Alternatives such as "as time goes by" or "as each moment passes" can provide nuanced substitutes. Keep in mind, the core function of the phrase is to emphasize continuous change linked directly to the relentless march of time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as each moment passes

Changes word order and slightly alters the rhythm of the phrase.

with the passage of time

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the continuous flow of time.

as time goes by

This alternative is a more general way of referring to the passage of time.

as the seconds tick by

This alternative emphasizes the individual seconds and can create a sense of urgency.

as time elapses

This alternative focuses on the measurable duration of time passing.

with every tick of the clock

This phrase uses a more metaphorical image to represent the passing of time.

moment by moment

This expresses a similar concept of gradual change, but lacks emphasis on time passing

bit by bit

Emphasizes the small, cumulative nature of change over time.

incrementally

Focuses on gradual change without directly mentioning time

in the blink of an eye

This alternative stresses how quickly the time is passing

FAQs

How can I use "with each passing second" in a sentence?

You can use "with each passing second" to describe a feeling that intensifies over time, such as "The suspense grew "with each passing second" as the hero approached the door".

What are some alternatives to "with each passing second"?

Some alternatives include "as time goes by", "as each moment passes", or "as time elapses", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say 'with every passing second' instead of "with each passing second"?

Yes, both "with each passing second" and "with every passing second" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably.

What's the difference between "with each passing second" and "in a matter of seconds"?

"With each passing second" emphasizes the gradual progression of time and its effect, while "in a matter of seconds" highlights the speed and brevity of an event.