Meaning & use
time goes fast
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
Used to say that time seems to pass quickly, especially when you are busy or enjoying yourself.
Grammar: Used as a complete sentence or clause; often with 'when' or 'because'.
Patterns
- time goes fast when ...
- time goes fast because ...
Time goes fast when you're having fun.
I can't believe the weekend is over already; time goes fast.
Time goes fast when you have a lot to do.
Common combinations
- time goes by fast
- Time goes by fast when you're with friends.
- time goes so fast
- Time goes so fast during the holidays.
- time goes fast when you're busy
- Time goes fast when you're busy at work.
Synonyms and how they differ
- time flies
- A more idiomatic expression with the same meaning; often used in the phrase 'time flies when you're having fun'.
- time passes quickly
- A more formal or neutral way to say the same thing.
Opposites
Commonly confused: time goes fast or time goes by?
time goes fast vs time goes by
Means time passes, but not necessarily quickly; 'time goes fast' adds the idea of speed.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'time goes fast' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Time goes fast' is used to say time seems to pass quickly, especially when you enjoy something. Option 0 is less natural because waiting is usually boring, so time seems to go slowly.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “time goes fast”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.