with the passing of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"with the passing of time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of something changing or evolving over a period of time. For example, "With the passing of time, the once vibrant city began to decay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

With the passing of time, the mosques have started to empty.

The Economist

Technology, however sophisticated, may be supplanted by better methods with the passing of time.

The Economist

With the passing of time, we thought that maybe we should get a little more involved.

The New York Times - Sports

With the passing of time, certain parts of the oath lost their relevance.

The New York Times

With the passing of time (and the spending of Play Coins), your responsibilities increase.

The Guardian - Tech

Like much of his work it deals with the passing of time and the transitory nature of the human experience.

Independent

Clouds wheel through the sky casting dynamic shadows, coming together and parting in unrepeated patterns with the passing of time.

The Guardian - Tech

With the passing of time, many of those who survived the 1980s and '90s have gone on to form meaningful long-term relationships.

The New York Times

"Merrily" tells the story of a young songwriting duo, to be played by Mr. Miranda and Colin Donnell, whose friendship is tested with the passing of time.

The New York Times

The essence of a team sport is that it allows — demands even — that a player grow and adapt with the passing of time.

The New York Times - Sports

But with the passing of time, some of the judgments cast at VS Naipaul in Theroux's Sir Vidia's Shadow (1998) and elsewhere seem valid.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with the passing of time" to emphasize the gradual nature of change or development. It's particularly effective when highlighting how something evolves or transforms over an extended period.

Common error

Avoid using "with the passing of time" when a simpler phrase like "over time" or "eventually" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with the passing of time" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or clause to indicate when or how something occurs. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it sets a temporal context, highlighting changes or developments that unfold gradually.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with the passing of time" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize the gradual unfolding of events or changes over a period. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and commonly used, as demonstrated by the numerous examples from news, media, and scientific sources. While alternatives like "over time" exist, "with the passing of time" provides a slightly more nuanced emphasis on the process of temporal evolution. When using this phrase, remember to consider whether a simpler alternative might be more appropriate for your context to avoid unnecessary verbosity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over time

A shorter, more direct way of expressing the same concept.

as time goes on

Emphasizes the continuous flow of time and its effects.

with the progression of time

Emphasizes the continuous advancement of time.

in due course

Suggests that something will happen eventually, given enough time.

eventually

Focuses on the final outcome after a period.

as time elapses

More formal and emphasizes the measurable duration of time.

as years pass

Specifically references the passage of years.

down the line

Informal, indicating a future point in time.

in the fullness of time

Suggests a more complete or mature development over time.

in the long run

Focuses on the ultimate, long-term consequences or effects.

FAQs

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

You can use "with the passing of time" to describe how something changes or evolves gradually. For example, "With the passing of time, their relationship grew stronger."

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

Some alternatives include "over time", "as time goes on", or "eventually", depending on the specific context.

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

"With the passing of time" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, simpler alternatives might be preferred in very informal settings.

What's the difference between "with the passing of time" and "with the passage of time"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.