give a pass

USAGE SUMMARY

"give a pass" is a perfectly legitimate expression and it can be used in written English.
It is typically used to imply that a person has been given a certain privilege or dispensation from something, such as an obligation or a responsibility. For example: "The teacher generously gave each student a pass for one late assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

So let's not give a pass to the obstructionists.

The New York Times

But give a pass to the airports links, which are too incomplete to be useful.

The New York Times

(I give a pass to Carnegie Hall, but not Avery Fisher. Philharmonic is as apt and beautiful a word as Idlewild).

The New Yorker

Is it possible that voters have a problem with super-rich politicians who are self-made, even while they give a pass to those who inherited great wealth?

The New York Times

Fried leeks were a fine foil for the grilled filet mignon ($15), a carnivore's delight, but give a pass to the dry-crusted stuffed chicken ($12).

The New York Times

If we adapt to unwanted change, the reasoning goes, we give a pass to those responsible for putting us in this mess in the first place, and we lose the moral authority to pressure them to stop.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

"You can give a passing reference for the grandfather".

The New Yorker

Only give a passing signal on straightaways.

WikiHow

People on diets are also given a pass.

The New York Times

Yet Alexander, the local boy, is given a pass.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, the rest of us have been given a pass.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "give a pass" when you want to convey the idea of overlooking a fault or granting an exception, particularly in situations where strict adherence to rules might be waived.

Common error

Avoid using "give a pass" in formal or highly regulated contexts where strict adherence to rules and regulations is essential. Instead, opt for more formal terms like "grant an exemption" or "waive the requirement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give a pass" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of granting leniency, exemption, or overlooking a fault. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests providing someone with a privilege or dispensation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "give a pass" is a commonly used phrase that means to excuse or overlook a mistake or fault. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a legitimate expression, typically used to imply granting a privilege or dispensation. While grammatically correct and widely understood, its usage leans towards neutral contexts, being frequently found in news and media. When writing, it's best to consider the formality of the situation, opting for alternatives like "grant an exemption" in more formal settings. Be mindful not to overuse it in situations demanding strict adherence to rules. Top sources using this phrase include "The New York Times", "Huffington Post", and "The Guardian".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grant an exemption

Focuses on the act of officially freeing someone from a requirement.

offer leniency

Emphasizes a milder form of punishment or judgment.

extend forgiveness

Highlights the act of pardoning someone for a mistake or wrongdoing.

turn a blind eye

Implies deliberately ignoring a fault or infraction.

overlook an error

Suggests consciously disregarding a mistake or oversight.

let off the hook

Conveys releasing someone from responsibility or consequences.

absolve from blame

Indicates clearing someone of guilt or responsibility.

excuse a fault

Highlights the act of justifying or forgiving a minor imperfection.

pardon the transgression

Formally forgiving an offense or sin.

waive the rule

Temporarily suspending a specific regulation for someone.

FAQs

How can I use "give a pass" in a sentence?

You can use "give a pass" to indicate that someone is being excused from a responsibility or not being held accountable for a mistake. For example, "The teacher decided to give the student a pass on the homework assignment because they were sick".

What are some alternatives to "give a pass"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "grant an exemption", "offer leniency", or "overlook an error".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "give a pass"?

The phrase "give a pass" is appropriate in informal contexts where you want to convey the idea of being lenient or forgiving someone's mistake. It's less suitable for formal or professional settings where more precise language is required.

Is "give a pass" the same as "given a pass"?

While both phrases are related, "give a pass" is an action (to excuse), whereas "given a pass" describes the state of having received that excusal. For example, 'The coach will give the player a pass,' versus 'The player was given a pass by the coach'.