how time passes vs how the time passes

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'How time passes' is a more general and common expression, while 'How the time passes' is used when referring to a specific period or instance of time.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 1564 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"how time passes"

This phrase is used to talk about the general passage of time or the way time progresses.

Examples:

It's amazing how time passes when you're having fun.
I often think about how time passes so quickly.
She reflected on how time passes and things change.
We don't notice how time passes until we look back.
The book explores how time passes in different cultures.

Show examples from the web [+]

I was just thinking about how time passes.
We pass the time of day to forget how time passes.
For me, time is the only possible subject: how time passes, how much we have left, how much has already passed.
That shows how time passes.
You'll be surprised at how quickly time passes.
It's frightening how our time passes.
We don't realise how the time passes.
No matter how much time passes...
Is this how time normally passes?
No matter how much time passes by, the demons he's carrying, they just won't go away.
No matter how much time passes by, the demons he's carrying, they just won't go away.
No matter how much time passes, the center of gravity stays at the same spot.
Seems like a lot of time but we all know how quickly time passes to the holidays.
It's amazing how slowly time passes when you keep looking at a clock, isn't it?
No matter how much time passes by, the demons he's carrying, they just won't go away.
No matter how much time passes, if I can't forget you,
How many times Seiya passes through Gemini Temple?
How quickly time passes. At this moment my husband took me by the hand and invited me to go for a drink in the hotel bar. "Sometimes you have to work at relaxing!" he said.
Thank you for another year of providing this fabulous lymphoma's year number 7 since diagnosis for me and I can't believe how quickly the time passes by when one feels so well... Margaret, Alberta
It is singular, however, how long a time often passes before words embody things; and with what security two persons, who choose to avoid a certain subject, may approach its very verge, and retire without disturbing it.

Alternatives:

how time flies
how time moves on
how time goes by
how time marches on
how time elapses

This phrase is correct but used in a more specific context.

"how the time passes"

This phrase is used when referring to a specific period or instance of time passing.

Examples:

I observed how the time passes during the meeting.
She noticed how the time passes when she's with her friends.
He wondered how the time passes during his daily commute.
We discussed how the time passes during our vacation.
The teacher explained how the time passes during the exam.

Show examples from the web [+]

The time passes slowly for Virgil.
And the time passes so fast.
One realizes that the time passes when you see the kids.
No, but it bugs you, so the time passes by more quickly.
We pass the time of day to forget how time passes.
The conversation continues, the time passes quickly, and I have to bring the talk to an end.
Don't you know time passes and in passing abolishes...
When time passes - bring him back.
- As time passes everything will pass.
Things will get better as time passes.
Then time passes, two, three years.
That as time passes, fish are born blind.
As time passes, a boy inevitably becomes a man.
But, as time passes, you start noticing the similarities.
Time passes, I see Butchie Yost's son surfing.
You'll be surprised at how quickly time passes.
The more time passes, the harderthings get.
Besides, at home time passes so slowly.
As time passes, all the extreme components of Israeli and Palestinian society are growing stronger.
Time passes, and you think...

Alternatives:

how time passes
how time elapses
how time progresses
how time moves on
how time goes by

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how time passes vs how the time passes

"how time passes"

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