got passed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got passed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been approved or accepted, often in the context of legislation or rules. Example: "The new law got passed after a lengthy debate in the legislature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And she still got passed over.

The Washington Post

"I got passed from pillar to post," said Annabelle.

The Times

I don't know how that programme got passed.

The Guardian

Samples got passed out to a lucky few.

The New York Times - Food

Kucinich's supporters will point out that he advocated for much more than he got passed.

The New Yorker

So the job of moral judgment got passed to the Hall of Fame debate.

The New York Times - Sports

If he got passed, he handed over the watch to the new leader.

The New Yorker

A moment later he rushed net and got passed by Nadal.

The New York Times

The constitution Mr Chávez himself got passed in 1999 mandated that he form this advisory body.

The Economist

However, only a small part of those gains got passed on to American workers.

The New York Times

In fact, one lucky girl's mum had bought her Forever, which got passed round the school many, many times.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "got passed" in formal writing, ensure the context is clear and the meaning is unambiguous. Consider whether a more formal alternative like "was approved" or "was enacted" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "got passed" in contexts where a more direct, active voice would be clearer and more impactful. For example, instead of "The responsibility got passed down", consider "They passed the responsibility down".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got passed" functions primarily as a passive verb construction. It indicates that a subject (e.g., a bill, a runner) underwent an action performed by an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI confirms this validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "got passed" is a versatile passive construction used to convey various meanings, including approval, being overtaken, or being overlooked. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its formality level varies, making it more appropriate for news media and general conversation than formal academic writing. When writing, consider whether a more formal synonym like "was approved" or "was enacted" may be more suitable for the context. As such, it's important to remain aware of the context when using "got passed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was approved

Emphasizes the formal acceptance or sanctioning of something.

was enacted

Specifically refers to a law or regulation being put into effect.

was adopted

Highlights the acceptance and implementation of a plan or idea.

was ratified

Indicates formal confirmation, often of a treaty or agreement.

was successful

Focuses on the positive outcome of an attempt or endeavor.

was allowed

Highlights permission or lack of prevention.

was cleared

Implies the removal of obstacles or obtaining authorization.

was sanctioned

Suggests formal approval, often by an authority.

was authorized

Focuses on granting official permission or power.

succeeded

Emphasizes the accomplishment of a goal or objective.

FAQs

What does "got passed" mean?

"Got passed" can mean several things depending on the context, including being overtaken in a race, having something approved (like a law), or being overlooked for a promotion.

What can I say instead of "got passed" when referring to legislation?

Alternatives to "got passed" in a legislative context include "was approved", "was enacted", or "was ratified".

Is "got passed" appropriate for formal writing?

While "got passed" is grammatically correct, it can sound informal. In formal writing, consider using more formal alternatives such as "was approved" or "was adopted" depending on the context.

How does "got passed" differ from "passed over"?

"Got passed" generally implies something was approved or someone was overtaken. "Passed over" specifically means someone was not chosen or selected, often for a promotion or opportunity.