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time goes by vs time went by

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Time goes by' is used to talk about the passage of time in the present or future, while 'time went by' is used to refer to the passage of time in the past.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 3572 views

time goes by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the passage of time in the present or future.

This phrase is used to talk about the passage of time in the present or future. It indicates that time is passing or progressing.

Examples:

Time goes by so quickly when you're having fun.
I often sit and watch as time goes by.
Don't worry, time goes by faster than you think.
As time goes by, things will get better.
Time goes by, but memories remain.

Show examples from the web [+]

Sep 21, 2010 ... As time goes by: Evidence for two systems in processing space → time metaphors. Dedre Gentner. ,. Mutsumi Imai. &. Lera Boroditsky.

Alternatives:

time passes
time flies
time marches on
time moves on
time elapses

time went by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the passage of time in the past.

This phrase is used to refer to the passage of time in the past. It indicates that a period of time has already passed.

Examples:

Time went by so slowly when I was waiting for the results.
I didn't realize how much time went by while I was working.
As time went by, I started to forget the details.
Time went by quickly during our vacation.
I remember how time went by when we were kids.

Show examples from the web [+]

But as time went by, she looked forward to having you.
As time went by, rather than getting better... she even started coughing up blood.
The more time went by, the more drugs I did, the more I let myself forget 'cause I couldn't stand myself.
NAN, VOICE-OVER: And as the time went by, I got more confident.
Enough time went by and they called off the search.
As time went by, I got tired of playing by his rules.
I could get on with life in the beginning, but as time went by, I was struggling.
As time went by, it may be seen that the pedagogue got on tolerably enough.
Yet at the same time I realised as time went by, that something was wrong with me.
Time went by, time flew, and everything seemed so easy, so simple.
Time went by in a constant back and forth between hope and fear.
As time went by, I was getting further and further away... from all that I ever was.
As time went by, the stories got more and more unlikely.
But then time went by, and I got used to being on my own.
As time went by I got used to the idea of a son.
As time went by, lots of folks saw Timmy walking back and forth.
As time went by, his business grew.
However, according to the EIXE, time went by without any action being taken by the Competition Committee and its president.
Years and time went by, she just needed me to hold her hand.
I don't know how the time went by, but I best be on my way.

Alternatives:

time passed
time elapsed
time slipped away
time flew by
time ticked away

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