As Time Goes By...

# 2 without [by] As time passed by, people have realized the importance of computers in everyday's life.

shouldn't there be THE TIME??? when do we say "the time" and when just "time"

In this context, I don’t see the necessity for an article because is used in general. There are contexts where [the] is needed because it’s referred to a specified time. i.e. By the time I get home, I expect that you be ready to go.

By the time my children graduate college, I will be in my 50’s.

In general, when time is not specified, no article is needed. i.e. Time is an irreplaceable and precious commodity. This is a general statement which requires no article.

However, consider this: The time you wasted can not be replaced.

Does that answer your questions?

As time has passed, people have realized the importance of computers in everyday life.
As time passed, people realized ...
As time passes, people realize ...

With the passage of time, people [have realized / realized / realize] ...

CJ

CalifJimAs time has passed, people have realized the importance of computers in everyday life.
As time passed, people realized ...
As time passes, people realize ...

With the passage of time, people [have realized / realized / realize] ...

CJ

Any reasons why 'by' shouldn't be used? Is it because it collocates with 'go' instead of 'pass'?

because it collocates with 'go' instead of 'pass'

Exactly! You could use 'pass by' if you really had your heart set on it, but I don't think most people would.

CJ

CalifJim

because it collocates with 'go' instead of 'pass'

Exactly! You could use 'pass by' if you really had your heart set on it, but I don't think most people would.

CJ

All right.

So back to my original question, am I right to say that example No1. is the only correct one to imply it's a fact still in progress? I believe the Present Perfect should be used on both parts of the sentence, shouldn't it?

As time has passed, people have realized the importance of computers in everyday life.
As time passed, people realized ...
As time passes, people realize ...

All 3 of CJ examples are correct. It depends on how you want to relate your statement at the time that determines the appropriateness of selection.

1- Some unknown point in the past to present.

2- Simply past

3- General present statement.

I can’t say enough about contexts. We must learn to apply full context to a given

question in order to for the experts to answer the questions precisely.