As time passed vs. As time progressed

As time passed

/æz taɪm pæst/

A phrase used to indicate that a period of time went by, often implying change or development during that time.

Examples:

As time passed, her memories grew fonder.As time passed, their friendship turned into love.The pain lessened as time passed and knowledge grew.

Synonyms:

over time

Antonyms:

immediatelyinstantly

As time progressed

/æz taɪm prəˈɡrɛst/

As more time passed by, something developed or advanced

Examples:

As time progressed, her skills improved dramatically.The landscape changed as time progressed into winter.Their relationship strengthened as time progressed.

Synonyms:

over timeas time passed

Antonyms:

regressedrevertedstagnated

Ways to tell them apart:

• As time passed is often used to emphasize the passage of time in a more general sense, focusing on the natural progression of time itself.
• As time progressed typically suggests a gradual development or improvement over a period, indicating some evolution or change.
• Passed can indicate that time simply moved on, without implying any enhancement or shift.
• Progressed often involves a positive connotation, suggesting advancement or a forward trajectory.
• Remember pass may denote neutrality, while progress denotes optimism or change.