1 B1 neutral
For time to pass steadily, often while someone waits or observes.
"The hours ticked by and still there was no news from the hospital."
inseparable
tick by
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
For time to pass steadily and measurably, often with an implication of waiting or slow progress.
In plain English
Time keeps passing, often when you're waiting for something.
What does "tick by" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
For a clock to make tick sounds as each second passes — largely transparent.
Actually means
Time keeps passing, often when you're waiting for something.
Usage tip
Very similar to 'tick away' but slightly more neutral. Used to describe the passage of time, often from the perspective of someone waiting or watching. Common in literary and journalistic writing. The subject is almost always a unit of time.
Words that pair with "tick by"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
seconds minutes hours days time clock
How to conjugate "tick by"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tick by
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ticks by
he/she/it
Past simple
ticked by
yesterday
Past participle
ticked by
have + pp
-ing form
ticking by
continuous
Hear "tick by" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tick by" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "tick by"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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