decided to pass on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decided to pass on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you decided not to accept or take advantage of something. For example: "After careful consideration, I decided to pass on the offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 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

On one recent night, I decided to pass on all my old favorites and have one of the nabemono dishes.

Los Angeles Times

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

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 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

"We would never get into a situation where we would try to negotiate (one network) against another". While Salzman said an early decision date can aid a producer by forcing a network to make a commitment, it can also backfire if the network decides to pass on the show early and no one else is interested in picking it up.

Los Angeles Times

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

The New York Times - Sports

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decided to pass on" when you want to clearly communicate a deliberate choice not to pursue an opportunity, option, or course of action. It implies a conscious evaluation and rejection.

Common error

Avoid using "decided to pass on" when the situation involves an accidental oversight or lack of awareness. This phrase indicates a conscious decision, so using it when something was missed unintentionally can be misleading. Instead, use phrases like "missed the opportunity" or "overlooked" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decided to pass on" functions as a declarative statement, indicating a deliberate choice or decision to decline or forgo something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decided to pass on" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a conscious choice to decline or forgo an opportunity. Ludwig confirms its validity, and its frequency across various sources, particularly News & Media, highlights its widespread usage. When writing, use "decided to pass on" to show a deliberate and informed decision. Alternatives like "chose to decline" or "opted not to pursue" can add nuance depending on the context. However, be careful not to use it when describing accidental oversights, as this phrase implies a conscious decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose to decline

Focuses on the act of refusing something offered.

opted not to pursue

Emphasizes a deliberate choice against following a particular course.

elected to forgo

Highlights the voluntary relinquishment of something.

refrained from accepting

Stresses the act of holding back from taking something.

turned down

A more informal way of saying refused.

rejected

Implies a stronger refusal, often due to unsuitability.

bypassed

Suggests avoiding something, often to take a more direct route.

sidestepped

Implies skillfully avoiding an issue or opportunity.

passed up

Informal and suggests missing out on an opportunity.

declined to take up

Formal and indicates a refusal to start something.

FAQs

What does "decided to pass on" mean?

The phrase "decided to pass on" means that someone has made a conscious choice not to accept an offer, opportunity, or suggestion. It implies a deliberate decision to decline or forgo something.

How can I use "decided to pass on" in a sentence?

You can use "decided to pass on" in various contexts. For example, "I "decided to pass on" the job offer because the salary was too low" or "She "decided to pass on" the dessert to stay healthy".

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

Some alternatives to "decided to pass on" include "chose to decline", "opted not to pursue", or "refrained from accepting". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "decided to pass on", or should I use a different phrase?

It is perfectly correct to say "decided to pass on". According to Ludwig, it is a grammatically sound phrase commonly used in various contexts. Other options are alternatives to express the same idea, but they are not necessarily grammatically superior.