As time went on, it became harder and harder for pirates

M

mimi2

Senior Member
vietnam vietnamese
Hi,
Can I use "passed on" instead of "went on"?
"But, as time went on, it became harder and harder for pirates to continue their bloody trade."
Thanks a lot.
 
    • "Passed on" is a euphemism for "died" and so is not used in reference to time.

    Time passes, or time passes by.
    Time goes on, or time goes by. (Past tense - time went on, time went by)
     
    Hi Mimi

    "Passed on" is a logical and acceptable alternative. However, the expression 'passed by', or simply 'passed,' are heard more commonly.

    Other alternatives would include:

    as time moved on
    as time moved forward
    with the passage of time
    in the course of time

     
    mimi2 said:
    What about "pass away"? Is it the same as "pass on"
    Click to expand...
    They can both be euphemisms for die, but "pass on" has many other meanings.

    To pass something on means to relay it, or spread the word.

    To pass on something (emphasize "pass") means to decline to accept it. Also "to take a pass (on)."

    Also, you can use "passed on" in the way you suggest, as a synonym for move on or move along-- I guess I disagree with some others on that.
    .
     
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