I'll pass on that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I'll pass on that" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used as a polite way to decline an offer. For example, if someone offers you a piece of cake, you could say "I'll pass on that, thanks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I know where my talents lie and it's definitely not in being a comedian so I think I'll pass on that.

The Guardian - Sport

I think I'll pass on that one".

Independent

(There is also an inter-species rape scene between a chimp and frog. I'll pass on that one, too).

The New Yorker

I'll pass on that one.

Forbes

I wouldn't be able to come back to north London so I'll pass on that one".

BBC

So I think I'll pass on that double turkey burger with Salmonella to go -- even if it has been grilled to a crisp.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Because that then becomes a thing that can go in the media… Yeah, I will pass on that one".

Independent

That's enough musing on palaeontology as it relates to blogging, I'll pass on now to the new blog, one that I hope will prove a long and fruitful collaboration with my new colleagues.

The Guardian

"He offered us something called 'Wombcam.' I said 'thanks, but we'll pass on that.' " There were those who reminisced about the old days (and nights) at Studio 54.

The New York Times

And the risk is too high to be of interest to us, and we'll pass on that in that situation.

Forbes

I'll have to pass on that one!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I'll pass on that" to politely decline an offer or suggestion without giving a specific reason. It's suitable for both formal and informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "I'll pass on that" repeatedly in a conversation, as it can sound dismissive. Vary your responses with other polite declinations such as "No, thank you" or "I'm alright, thanks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'll pass on that" primarily functions as an interjection or a polite refusal. It is used to decline an offer, suggestion, or opportunity without necessarily providing a detailed explanation. As Ludwig AI also confirms, it is a correct phrase for this purpose.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I'll pass on that" is a versatile phrase used to politely decline an offer or suggestion. As Ludwig AI verifies, its grammatical structure is correct and the phrase is frequently found in various sources, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. The phrase maintains a neutral tone, making it suitable for use in a variety of contexts. To avoid overuse, consider using alternatives such as "I'll decline that" or "No, thank you" for variety. By understanding its function and register, you can effectively incorporate "I'll pass on that" into your written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'll decline that

Directly replaces "pass on" with "decline", keeping a similar level of formality.

I appreciate the offer, but I'll pass

Shows gratitude for the offer before declining, adding extra politeness.

I'm going to have to decline

Formal variation, emphasizes the need to decline.

I'll have to pass

Shortens the phrase, implying the same meaning but with slightly less emphasis.

I think I'm going to skip that

Uses "skip" instead of "pass", making it slightly more casual.

That won't be necessary, thank you

More formal and somewhat indirect, implying that the offer is not needed.

No, thank you

A classic polite refusal, simpler and more direct than the original phrase.

I'm alright, thank you

British English alternative, conveys the same meaning with regional variation.

I'm good, thanks

More informal, suggesting contentment with the current situation and declining the offer.

I'm all set, thanks

Indicates that the person doesn't require what is being offered because they are already satisfied.

FAQs

What does "I'll pass on that" mean?

It's a polite way of declining an offer or suggestion. It implies that you are not interested without giving a specific reason.

How formal is the phrase "I'll pass on that"?

It's generally considered neutral, suitable for both casual and professional settings. However, in very formal situations, a more explicit and elaborate refusal might be preferable.

What are some alternatives to "I'll pass on that"?

You can use alternatives like "I'll decline that", "No, thank you", or "I'm good, thanks" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "I'll pass on that" in a professional email?

Yes, it's acceptable in most professional emails where a polite but straightforward refusal is needed. Consider the context and your relationship with the recipient.