time was past vs time was passed

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Time was past' is used to indicate that a particular time had already occurred, while 'time was passed' is used to indicate that time had elapsed or gone by.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 843 views

This phrase is correct and is commonly used in English to indicate that a particular time had already occurred.

"time was past"

This phrase is used to refer to a specific time that has already happened or occurred in the past.

Examples:

The deadline for the project was past, and we had to submit it immediately.
By the time I arrived, the event was past, and I had missed it.
The time for negotiation was past, and now we had to make a decision.
The opportunity to apply for the scholarship was past, and I regretted not doing it earlier.
The moment for action was past, and now we had to face the consequences.

Show examples from the web [+]

I thought it was past time we talked.
Heh, I thought it was past time that we met.
I thought it was past time we talked.
I just remember the first time I was walking past the old belly in front of Electric Lady.
I looked at the time, but it was past one o'clock.
Her most painful time was not in the past it's right now!
Mr President, I am pleased that my turn to speak has come before midnight this time - yesterday it was quarter past midnight.
Boca were paying less money, but by joining them, he was fulfilling a dream dating back to the time he was walking past the Bombonera stadium with his father and promised that one day
Hundred times past these 6 months.
Perhaps he went by another name in... times past.
In times past, the tomb was the site of many a pilgrimage.
Owens says volk's been in the bank four times past three months.
You always tend to think of happy times past.
In times past, this mark aroused great fear.
And times past count I done the Tell.
Times past, one's fled.
It's a fond memory of times past.
In times past, this mark aroused great fear.
Sense explodes from the murky undergrowth of times past.
It was but short time past you would have found joy in my suffering.

Alternatives:

time had passed
time had elapsed
time had gone by

This phrase is correct and is commonly used in English to indicate that time had elapsed or gone by.

"time was passed"

This phrase is used to indicate that a period of time had passed or gone by.

Examples:

As we sat in silence, the hours were passed without us even noticing.
The time was passed quickly as we engaged in lively conversation.
The deadline was passed before we could complete the task.
The time was passed waiting for the train to arrive.
The night was passed in deep contemplation.

Show examples from the web [+]

Rules are why there were still mashed potatoes on the plate by the time it was passed to me.
And if we need more "bitter," we can just ask my mom to tell stories about all those times she was passed over for tenure.
At the time this legislation was passed, March 2004 seemed a reasonable deadline for the conclusion of proceedings before the WTO bodies.
At the time the HOTA was passed it prompted debate in Parliament over the ethics of compensating donors as it was feared that it could lead to illegal trading.
The north-country spring, when leaves burst forth as if waiting for the snow to melt was a time I passed in an empty, barren state of mind.
Time passed and still no sign of Jeremy.
Time passed, but my yearning for Edward never subsided.
As time passed, our mission became harder.
Time passed slowly, making him hurt even more.
Not much time passed before the weapons spoke.
And as time passed, I won her heart.
As time passed, her hope was fading.
Time passed and Iris grew more beautiful each day.
But time passed and his presence was no longer a novelty.
Time passed by, and no help was given.
But as time passed the English devised the allowed system.
But understand this... there are mere hours before the comet is gone and our time passed.
Their cruelty was boundless, and as time passed transgressors realized there would be no reprieve.
And time passed, and there were strange shadows.
As the time passed, tje situation worsen.

Alternatives:

time had passed
time had gone by
time elapsed

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time was past vs time was passed

"time was past"

"time was passed"

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