I passed on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I passed on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you chose not to accept or participate in something, such as an opportunity or invitation. Example: "I passed on the job offer because it didn't align with my career goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I passed on a lot of those.

The New York Times - Travel

I'd say it's 50-50: of the projects I passed on, half were successful and the other 50 percent tanked.

The New York Times

I passed on seeing it, though.

Vice

I passed on that one.

The New York Times - Food

It's a principle that still guides me today, and one that I passed on to my kids.

Huffington Post

It seemed as if every other person I passed on the street had one.

TechCrunch

I passed on the meeting.

The New York Times

(I passed on the $1 Busch drafts).

The New York Times

I passed on that warning to others".

Independent

I passed on the first try.

The New York Times

I passed on that too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I passed on" to clearly indicate a choice not to pursue an opportunity, option, or item. It's suitable for both informal and formal contexts, conveying a straightforward decision.

Common error

Avoid using "I passed on" when you mean you transferred something to someone else. "Passed on" in this context means you declined or rejected something, not that you gave it to another party.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I passed on" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a decision to decline, reject, or forego an opportunity or offer. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It demonstrates a conscious choice to not participate or accept something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "I passed on" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey a decision to decline or reject something. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, although more formal alternatives exist for professional settings. Primarily found in news and media sources, "I passed on" effectively communicates a conscious choice to not accept an opportunity or offer. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in your intent and avoid confusion with meanings related to transferring something. Alternatives such as "I declined", "I opted out of", and "I rejected" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I declined

Indicates a formal refusal or rejection.

I opted out of

Suggests a conscious decision to not participate.

I rejected

Implies a firm refusal, often of an offer or proposal.

I turned down

Indicates a refusal, often of an invitation or opportunity.

I skipped

Suggests choosing not to do something, often something routine or expected.

I forewent

Implies a deliberate decision to abstain from something desirable.

I ceded

Implies giving up a right or possession.

I deferred

Indicates postponing something to a later time or date.

I waived

Suggests voluntarily giving up a claim or right.

I relinquished

Implies formally giving up something, often power or control.

FAQs

What does "I passed on" mean?

The phrase "I passed on" means that you declined an opportunity, offer, or item. It implies a conscious decision not to accept or participate in something.

What can I say instead of "I passed on"?

You can use alternatives like "I declined", "I opted out of", or "I rejected" depending on the context.

Is "I passed on" formal or informal?

The phrase "I passed on" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "I declined" may be preferred in professional settings.

How do I use "I passed on" in a sentence?

You can use "I passed on" to indicate that you chose not to accept something, for example: "I passed on the job offer because it didn't align with my career goals" or "I passed on the dessert because I was already full".