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 implies the passage of time in a more general sense, without a focus on movement or forward motion.
• As time progressed suggests a notion of moving forward, development, or advancement in time.
• Use as time passed when discussing events that have naturally unfolded over time.
• Opt for as time progressed to emphasize a sequence of events or a more gradual, ongoing development.
• Both phrases can be interchangeable in many contexts but can hint at different nuances of time's movement.