decide to pass on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decide to pass on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone chooses not to participate in or accept an offer or opportunity. Example: "After careful consideration, I decided to pass on the job offer because it didn't align with my career goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"We believe Wal-Mart will effectively use its private-label merchandise to fill any value gaps left by vendors who decide to pass on price increases," one analyst, Shari Schwartzman Eberts of J. P. Morgan Securities, wrote in a note to investors last month.

The New York Times

The firm "could still decide to pass on this," said an executive involved in the matter.

The New York Times

I may decide to pass on the major meets this year.

The New York Times - Sports

We decide to pass on the hot dogs, focusing instead on a Chinese restaurant near our motel.

The New York Times

With his book as a guide, the amateur cook might well — and wisely — decide to pass on the celebrity party altogether and just stay home.

The New York Times - Magazine

If they decide to pass on the tax as a hike in price, there will still be positive but smaller health gains.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

However senior managers have decided to pass on only a handful of them to Monster because they have given up on improving the current site and expect to start afresh after April 2016.

The Guardian - Money

Then again, you could have said the same thing about last year's winner, Young Fathers' idiosyncratic hip hop album Dead, which the public decided to pass on, despite the extra publicity afforded it by their Mercury triumph.

The Guardian - Music

I decided to pass on that opportunity.

Huffington Post

I couldn't really tell if the Brain Dust did anything other than ruin my La Croix so I decided to pass on herbal brain boosters for the remaining weeks.

Vice

Just because one editor or agent decided to pass on your work does not mean that all of them will.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decide to pass on" when you want to clearly convey a conscious choice to decline an opportunity or option. It emphasizes deliberation.

Common error

While "decide to pass on" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal business or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "decline to accept" or "choose to forgo" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decide to pass on" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate choice to decline or reject something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound. It signifies a conscious decision to forgo an opportunity or option.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decide to pass on" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that signifies a deliberate choice to decline an opportunity or reject an offer. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral, more formal alternatives like "opt to decline" or "choose to forgo" may be preferred in professional or academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the intended message of a considered decision not to pursue a particular path.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decide against

A slightly shorter and more direct way of saying you've chosen not to do something.

decline to accept

Directly states the refusal of an offer or invitation.

opt to decline

Focuses on the act of formally refusing or rejecting something.

choose to forgo

Emphasizes the act of voluntarily giving up something desirable.

refuse to participate

Specifically indicates a choice not to be involved in something.

resolve to reject

Highlights a firm decision to refuse something.

elect not to pursue

Implies a deliberate choice against continuing with a particular action or goal.

determine to abandon

Suggests a firm decision to leave something behind.

take a pass on

Offers an informal equivalent, suitable for casual contexts.

beg to differ

To disagree politely with a statement or suggestion.

FAQs

What does "decide to pass on" mean?

To "decide to pass on" means to make a conscious decision to decline an opportunity, not pursue a course of action, or reject an offer. It suggests a deliberate choice to forgo something.

What are some alternatives to "decide to pass on"?

Alternatives include "opt to decline", "choose to forgo", "decline to accept", or "decide against", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "decided to pass on"?

Yes, "decided to pass on" is the past tense form of the phrase and is grammatically correct. For example, "After considering the offer, I "decided to pass on" it."

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "decide to pass on"?

It's appropriate to use "decide to pass on" in various contexts, such as discussing job offers, investment opportunities, or social invitations. The level of formality should be considered, as more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain settings.