I was passed

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was passed" is a grammatically correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You could use it in a variety of contexts to indicate that something has been completed or has moved from one person to another. Example: I was passed the report from my colleague when she was out of the office.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

— and I was passed a steaming bowl.

The New Yorker

But one time I was passed over for a promotion.

The New York Times

And so the phantom, which in truth I was, passed from sight.

The New Yorker

Recently I was passed dangerously by a vehicle on a road in regional NSW.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was passed by a woman Hula Hooping her way round, and a Water Aid camel.

The Guardian

I was passed to a psychiatric day hospital for full-time treatment, Monday to Friday, 9.30am till 4pm.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

To further study the bioactivities of the PSA-I fraction, PSA-I was passed on an IEC HPLC system (SPFF 90 μm).

Bioscience Reports

I paused as I was passing.

The New Yorker

I was passing the puck pretty hard".

The New York Times - Sports

"I was passing out," she said.

The New York Times

As I was passing one, I saw an A.S.P.C.A. blanket.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was passed", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being passed (e.g. an object, a responsibility, or another person). This avoids ambiguity and ensures your meaning is accurately conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "I was passed" without specifying by whom or what. For example, instead of "I was passed", clarify with "I was passed the document by the manager" or "I was passed by a car on the highway" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was passed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject ("I") was the recipient of an action. This action could involve receiving an object, being overtaken in a race, or being transferred to another person or department. Ludwig provides several examples illustrating these different uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was passed" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the passive receipt of an object, a transfer, or being overtaken. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees common usage across various contexts. Predominantly featured in "News & Media", as well as "Science" and "Formal & Business" settings, this phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse communication needs. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the actor and the object being passed. Be aware that alternatives such as "I received" or "I was given" may provide alternative phrasing depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I received

Focuses on the act of receiving something, rather than being passed something by someone or something else.

I was given

Similar to 'I received' but emphasizes the act of giving by another party.

It was handed to me

More explicit about the manner of transfer, specifying a hand-to-hand exchange.

I was overtaken

Specifically refers to being passed in a race or similar context, losing ground.

I yielded

Implies giving way or being superseded, often in a competitive or hierarchical setting.

I was superseded

Emphasizes being replaced or surpassed, typically in a formal or professional context.

I ceded

Suggests a formal relinquishing of something, like power or position.

I was transferred

Indicates a change in position, location, or status, especially within an organization.

I was forwarded

Specifically denotes something being sent on to someone, like a message or package.

I was handed off

Similar to 'I was handed' but suggests a more informal or collaborative transfer.

FAQs

How can I use "I was passed" in a sentence?

You can use "I was passed" to indicate that something was given to you, or that you were overtaken by something. For example, "I was passed the salt" or "I was passed by a runner".

What does "I was passed over" mean?

"I was passed over" means that you were not chosen for something, such as a promotion or an opportunity, despite being considered. It often implies disappointment or a sense of being overlooked.

What can I say instead of "I was passed" when referring to receiving something?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "I received", "I was given", or "it was handed to me".

Is it correct to say "I was passed on to someone"?

Yes, "I was passed on to someone" is grammatically correct. It means you were referred or transferred to another person, often for assistance or further processing, similar to saying "I was referred".