I got passed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I got passed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has been overtaken or surpassed by another person or thing, often in a competitive context. Example: "During the race, I thought I was doing well until I got passed by several runners in the final lap."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He said: "The evidence that I got passed to me by a journalist in Shetland last night was that a local garage there had the price they were required to pay put up 2p per litre this week and 3p per litre last week.

BBC

I got passed over for a promotion.

Huffington Post

Once I got passed that I was surprised with how easy it was to whip the wand back and forth.

Huffington Post

A few moments after I started power hiking I got passed by another runner and I realized how hard this was going to be for me to mentally not take chase and instead just continue at my own pace.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"People just have an addiction to checking profiles on there, I guess, and it got passed around that way.

The New York Times - Tech

Of his fashion-heavy clientele, Floyd says simply, "I get passed around a lot".

The New York Times - Magazine

When I need it, in the lap where I get passed, it starts raining in Turn 3".

The New York Times - Sports

I get passed over for things I'm more than qualified for.

Huffington Post

Whether it gets passed this year, I can't say for certain.

Huffington Post

No legislation got passed.

Los Angeles Times

After a match, my Achilles tendons felt like hawsers on a rusty barge, and as I clomped back to work I'd get passed by map-consulting tourists.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I got passed" in competitive contexts, ensure the subject is clear and the action is easily understood. For example, "I got passed by the lead car on the final turn" is more specific than simply "I got passed."

Common error

Avoid using "I got passed" when you intend to say something was approved or enacted. In those cases use "I got it passed" or "It got passed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I got passed" functions primarily as a statement indicating that the speaker was overtaken or surpassed by someone or something else. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it commonly describes scenarios of being overtaken in a race or competition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I got passed" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, mainly within News & Media contexts, as verified by Ludwig. It conveys the simple act of being overtaken or surpassed, either literally or metaphorically. To enhance clarity, specify the subject that did the passing. While generally neutral in register, it’s crucial not to confuse this passive construction with active approval or enactment, where phrases like "I got it passed" are more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "I was overtaken" or "I was surpassed" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was overtaken

Uses a passive voice construction to indicate being surpassed, focusing on the action rather than the actor.

I was surpassed

Emphasizes exceeding a certain level or achievement, often in a competitive context.

I was outdone

Highlights being defeated or excelled in a specific activity or skill.

Someone overtook me

Shifts the focus to the person or thing doing the overtaking.

Someone surpassed me

Similar to 'overtook' but emphasizes exceeding a certain achievement level.

I received

Implies something was given or transferred to the speaker. Broader meaning than the original.

I was handed

Suggests a direct transfer of something from one person to another.

I was given

Similar to 'I received', but with an emphasis on the act of giving.

It was conveyed to me

More formal and implies a transfer of information or a message.

I was transmitted

Focuses on transfer of abstract info like data, signals, diseases. Broader meaning than the original.

FAQs

What does "I got passed" mean?

The phrase "I got passed" generally means that someone or something overtook or surpassed you, typically in a race, competition, or other situation where relative position matters.

What are some alternatives to saying "I got passed"?

You could use phrases like "I was overtaken", "I was surpassed", or "Someone overtook me" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I got passed over"?

Yes, "I got passed over" is a common idiom meaning you were not chosen for a promotion, opportunity, or position that you expected or desired.

Can "I got passed" be used in contexts other than physical movement?

While often used in the context of physical movement, "I got passed" can also be used metaphorically to describe being surpassed in achievement or progress. For example, "I thought I was ahead on the project, but I got passed by the rest of the team".