with the passage of time

USAGE SUMMARY

'with the passage of time' is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
For example, "As we get older, our perspectives on life change with the passage of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But with the passage of time things look better.

University of California, Berkeley

Won't gender parity develop with the passage of time?

Harvard Business Review

With the passage of time passions have abated.

The Guardian

With the passage of time, it makes for interesting viewing.

The Washington Post

With the passage of time, the connections become more elusive.

The New York Times

And the statistics grow grimmer with the passage of time.

The New York Times

With the passage of time, I calm down.

The New York Times

With the passage of time, the hostages themselves are disappearing.

The New York Times

But her voice gains authority with the passage of time.

The New York Times - Books

With the passage of time, some of the pictures may be innocently mistaken for originals.

The New York Times

The value of inside information depreciated with the passage of time, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with the passage of time" to emphasize a gradual change or evolution, rather than a sudden event. For example, "With the passage of time, his initial anger subsided."

Common error

Avoid using "with the passage of time" when referring to a specific date or event in the past. It is better suited for general trends or changes over an undefined duration. For instance, don't say "With the passage of time on July 4th..." Instead, use a more specific temporal phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with the passage of time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when or how something occurs. It provides temporal context, specifying that a change or development happens gradually over a period. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment, which confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

13%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with the passage of time" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to indicate that something changes, evolves, or develops gradually over a period. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts. As evidenced by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, its application spans across diverse fields such as News & Media, Academia and Science. The phrase is suitable for expressing duration and gradual transformation, making it valuable in writing and conversation when precision regarding the temporal dimension is needed. When using this phrase, remember to emphasize the gradual aspect and avoid using it for specific dated events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as time goes by

Focuses more on the progression of time rather than the changes it brings.

over time

A more concise way to express the same concept of changes occurring during a period.

in due course

Implies that something will happen at a suitable or expected time in the future.

eventually

Highlights the end result after a period, rather than the process of time passing.

in the fullness of time

Suggests that something will happen when the time is right or after a significant period.

as time elapses

Emphasizes the flowing nature of time and its effect on situations.

with the progress of time

Focuses specifically on advancement or development that occurs over time.

down the line

An informal way of saying something will happen later in the future.

in the long run

Highlights the overall outcome or consequences after an extended period.

as the years pass

Specifically refers to changes that occur across multiple years.

FAQs

How can I use "with the passage of time" in a sentence?

The phrase "with the passage of time" is typically used to describe how something changes or evolves over an extended period. For example, "With the passage of time, the old building began to show signs of decay."

What are some alternatives to "with the passage of time"?

Some alternatives to "with the passage of time" include "over time", "as time goes by", or "eventually", depending on the specific context.

Is "with the passage of time" formal or informal?

"With the passage of time" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase suitable for both writing and speaking. Its formality depends on the context and surrounding vocabulary.

What is the difference between "with the passage of time" and "in due course"?

"With the passage of time" emphasizes the gradual changes that occur over a period, whereas "in due course" suggests that something will happen at an appropriate or expected time in the future. The first focuses on process and change, while the second focuses on eventual completion.