I will pass on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I will pass on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you will decline or not participate in something, such as an invitation or offer. Example: "Thank you for the invitation to the party, but I will pass on it this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

On the day I have a child, these are the principles I will pass on".

The Guardian - Sport

No room for all of them here, though I will pass on his tip that we should all read the new IAEA report on Iran's nuclear weapons programme.

The Guardian

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

Independent

This is my advice to any woman who wants to start her own business, and it is the same one I will pass on to my young daughter: Each of us must find our passion and act on that – to pursue those dreams and have a positive impact on the world.

Forbes

This communion is an inheritance I received and one that I will pass on to my children as we start a family of our own.

The Guardian

I felt as though I had been given the perfect gift — a sentimental miniature by a great artist for a song — and one that I will pass on to my sons.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

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

(I'm looking into making this a live event at Yankee Stadium or Madison Square Garden. I'll pass on details as soon as I have them).

The New York Times

But rest assured, I'll pass on any details as I find them.

TechCrunch

In response to something like "Oh dear, your shoes are something i'll pass on hahaha" you should say "you liked it so much that you could not speak".

WikiHow

One day, never knowing when that will be, I, too, will pass on, but, like that flower, there will still be parts of me to see.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I will pass on" when you want to politely decline an offer, suggestion, or invitation without providing a detailed explanation. It's a versatile phrase applicable in both formal and informal settings.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse in formal settings might sound repetitive. Try replacing it with alternatives like "I must decline", or "I respectfully decline" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I will pass on" functions as a polite way to decline an offer, invitation, or suggestion. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, with examples showing its usage in various contexts. It allows for a gentle refusal without needing to provide specific reasons.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

13%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I will pass on" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to politely decline an offer or invitation. Ludwig's analysis, which is based on numerous real-world examples, confirms its wide usage across various contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, consider alternatives like "I must decline" in more formal environments. Understanding the purpose and register of the phrase allows for its effective use in written and spoken English. Based on the gathered data, this phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'll decline

This alternative offers a more direct and concise way to express refusal.

I'll have to pass

This phrase softens the refusal with "have to", implying obligation or regret.

I'm going to pass

This alternative uses "going to" which anticipates a future action/decision of non-participation.

I'm afraid I'll pass

This option adds "I'm afraid" to express regret or politeness when declining.

I'll skip this one

This phrase uses "skip" to indicate avoiding something specific.

I'll sit this one out

Implies opting out of an activity or event, often temporarily.

I'm not interested

This choice directly expresses a lack of interest, making it less nuanced than the original phrase.

I'm not going to take part

This is a more formal way of saying you won't participate.

I must decline

A more formal and polite way of refusing an offer or invitation.

I reject that

This alternative conveys a stronger sense of rejection or disapproval.

FAQs

What does "I will pass on" mean?

The phrase "I will pass on" means that you are declining something, such as an offer, invitation, or opportunity. It's a polite way of saying no without giving a detailed explanation.

How can I use "I will pass on" in a sentence?

You can use "I will pass on" in situations where you want to politely refuse something. For example, "Thank you for the invitation, but "I will pass on" attending the event this time."

What can I say instead of "I will pass on"?

You can use alternatives like "I'll decline", "I'll have to pass", or "I'm afraid I'll pass" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "I will pass on it" grammatically correct?

While "I will pass on" is a complete phrase, adding "it" after it can sometimes be redundant. It's generally better to say "I will pass on that" or "I will pass on the opportunity" for clarity, or simply "I will pass on" if the context is already clear.