the time was passing vs the time was passing by

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'The time was passing' is a simple statement indicating the passage of time, while 'The time was passing by' adds a bit more emphasis on the continuous nature of time passing. Both are commonly used and convey a similar meaning.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1092 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"the time was passing"

This phrase is used to indicate the simple passage of time.

Examples:

As we sat there, the time was passing quickly.
I didn't notice how the time was passing during the meeting.

Show examples from the web [+]

I felt it's not right, not complete, I even struck the first print... without finding the answer, time was passing by... for the record, there is one complete print that was made in 1998
One person I knew was passing the time doing nothing.
I always forget the time passing when I'm developing photographs.
The time passing very quickly, just left our lonely.
And with the time passing, I finished to believe it too.
We played so that people wouldn't feel the time passing and would forget where and who they were.
We never have a hard time passing.
All I feel is time passing.
You can almost see time passing.
Let's toast to time passing slowly.
She wasn't bad for just passing the time.
Just passing the time, bunky.
Just passing the time till I die.
Just passing the time of day, ma'am.
Like the time we celebrated Marshall passing the bar exam.
I share your concerns about the time which is passing, particularly since Gabon is currently an extremely important country in this region of Africa.
But I knew I'd be mediocre and I'm terrified of time passing.
And apparently, the poor little guy's been having a hard time passing these objects or they wouldn't still be in his stomach.
So, here I am, passing the time, pretending to be a businessman.
I'm just passing the time before tech.

Alternatives:

the time passed
time was ticking away
time was slipping away
time was flying by
time was moving on

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"the time was passing by"

This phrase is used to emphasize the continuous nature of time passing.

Examples:

As we chatted, the time was passing by quickly.
The time was passing by, but I was lost in my thoughts.

Show examples from the web [+]

I felt it's not right, not complete, I even struck the first print... without finding the answer, time was passing by... for the record, there is one complete print that was made in 1998
One person I knew was passing the time doing nothing.
I always forget the time passing when I'm developing photographs.
The time passing very quickly, just left our lonely.
And with the time passing, I finished to believe it too.
But you can hear crowds from time to time passing by outside.
We played so that people wouldn't feel the time passing and would forget where and who they were.
Then you'll have a hard time passing by every day?
Time keeps passing by and I haven't yet told him the truth
We never have a hard time passing.
All I feel is time passing.
You can almost see time passing.
Let's toast to time passing slowly.
Now, however, it would seem that the rest, the remaining 20%, are so problematic, that time is passing by and the talks have already ended in deadlock on many occasions.
She wasn't bad for just passing the time.
Just passing the time, bunky.
Just passing the time till I die.
Just passing the time of day, ma'am.
Like the time we celebrated Marshall passing the bar exam.
I share your concerns about the time which is passing, particularly since Gabon is currently an extremely important country in this region of Africa.

Alternatives:

the time was passing
time was ticking away
time was slipping away
time was flying by
time was moving on

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

the time was passing vs the time was passing by