cannot be passed up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be passed up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an opportunity or offer is too good to refuse or should not be missed. Example: "The chance to work with such a renowned company cannot be passed up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But the occasion to comment on the appropriateness of using Che Guevara to market anything cannot be passed up.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If the trains are too far apart, the mailbags cannot be passed between them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The repeal bill cannot be passed without Senate approval.

BBC

This legislation cannot be passed soon enough for Alex Koren, an entrepreneur who is attending Johns Hopkins University.

TechCrunch

The Baucus Plan cannot be passed into law.

Huffington Post

Typhus, by contrast, cannot be passed between people.

Los Angeles Times

The parasite, which cannot be seen with the naked eye, cannot be passed from person to person.

Los Angeles Times

If feces are hard and cannot be passed, leakage is less likely unless impaction has developed.

BMC Geriatrics

Thus, there is some variation in a cell that cannot be passed on to offspring cells.

BMC Biology

Definition of diagnostic findings: e.g. obstructing tumour that cannot be passed by colonoscope.

BMC Cancer

Fasciola cannot be passed directly from one person to another [ 2].

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be passed up" when you want to strongly recommend taking advantage of an opportunity because it's exceptionally beneficial or rare. For example, "The chance to work with such a renowned company "cannot be passed up".

Common error

While "cannot be passed up" is a strong phrase, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using alternatives like "should not be overlooked" or "is too good to refuse".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be passed up" functions as a modal phrase, indicating a strong recommendation or necessity. Ludwig AI shows that it's used to emphasize that an opportunity is too good to miss. It's often employed to persuade or highlight the importance of taking advantage of something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be passed up" is a modal phrase used to strongly recommend taking advantage of an opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its use across various contexts, including news, science, and general content. While relatively rare, its usage is appropriate for emphasizing the importance of seizing a beneficial opportunity. Be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "should not be overlooked" to maintain writing variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must not be missed

Emphasizes the importance of not missing the opportunity.

should not be overlooked

Highlights the potential negative consequences of ignoring the opportunity.

is too good to refuse

Focuses on the attractiveness of the offer and the unlikelihood of declining it.

is an unmissable opportunity

Directly states that the opportunity is not to be missed.

is an offer one can't refuse

Implies the offer is very attractive and difficult to decline.

is highly recommended

Suggests a strong positive endorsement of the opportunity.

is a golden opportunity

Emphasizes the value and rarity of the opportunity.

is not to be sneezed at

An idiomatic expression meaning the opportunity is significant and worthwhile.

is a chance of a lifetime

Highlights the unique and potentially life-changing nature of the opportunity.

is something you shouldn't miss

Direct advice not to let the opportunity go by.

FAQs

What does "cannot be passed up" mean?

The phrase "cannot be passed up" means that something is so good or advantageous that it would be a mistake to miss or refuse it. It implies a strong recommendation to take advantage of the opportunity.

How can I use "cannot be passed up" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be passed up" to emphasize the importance of seizing an opportunity. For example, "This career opportunity "should not be missed"; it "cannot be passed up".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be passed up"?

Some alternatives to "cannot be passed up" include "is too good to refuse", "must not be missed", or "is an unmissable opportunity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "cannot be passed up" in formal writing?

Yes, "cannot be passed up" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. While not overly formal, it conveys a strong recommendation suitable for various contexts, including business and academic writing.