has passed on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has passed on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a euphemism for someone who has died, often in a more gentle or respectful manner. Example: "After a long battle with illness, her grandfather has passed on, leaving behind cherished memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The baton has passed on, with McIlroy in the vanguard.

The Guardian - Sport

And David E. Shaw of D. E. Shaw & Company has passed on management responsibilities to a committee of executives.

The New York Times

Facebook has passed on on a pretty comprehensive record of time spent on the social network.

TechCrunch

PRINCE, sad to say, has passed on!!!

Huffington Post

Now that Fidel Castro has passed on, history will long debate his complex legacy.

Huffington Post

"My brothers are still alive, but everyone else has passed on," Davis said.

Los Angeles Times

"May the memories of the one who has passed on fill the void that they left.

The New York Times - Sports

And each one of them has passed on to me something different.

Science Magazine

He has passed on.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Now Jackie Collins has passed on.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is certain, though, that the ferret has passed on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has passed on" to refer to death, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. It's often appropriate in obituaries, eulogies, or when aiming for a respectful and gentle tone.

Common error

Avoid using "has passed on" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "died" or "passed away" in these situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has passed on" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression. It acts as a euphemism to soften the impact of directly stating that someone has died. This usage is confirmed by Ludwig's examples, highlighting its role in sensitive communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has passed on" is a versatile phrase with two primary meanings: as a euphemism for death and as a description for the transfer of knowledge or responsibility. As confirmed by Ludwig's examples, its usage depends on the context, with the death-related meaning being more common in formal and sensitive settings. When referring to death, this phrase provides a gentler alternative to "died". Ludwig's analysis suggests that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary, especially when aiming for respectful and formal communication. It's important to choose the correct alternative based on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has died

Direct synonym referring to the cessation of life.

has deceased

A more formal and legalistic synonym for death.

has departed

A gentler and more poetic way of saying someone has died.

has left us

Emphasizes the sense of loss and absence.

is no more

A concise expression indicating the end of existence.

has transferred

Indicates the act of handing over something, like a responsibility.

has relinquished

Suggests a formal or deliberate giving up of control.

has ceded

Implies yielding or surrendering something to another party.

has handed down

Conveys the idea of passing something on to a younger generation.

has bequeathed

Refers to the act of leaving something in a will.

FAQs

What does the phrase "has passed on" mean?

The phrase "has passed on" is a euphemism for death. It's a more gentle and respectful way of saying that someone has died, often used to soften the directness of the word "died".

When is it appropriate to use "has passed on"?

It's appropriate to use "has passed on" in formal settings, such as obituaries or eulogies, or when you want to convey a sense of respect and sensitivity. It's also appropriate when speaking to someone who is grieving.

What are some alternatives to "has passed on"?

Some alternatives to "has passed on" include "has died", "has deceased", "has departed", "passed away", or "is no more", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to achieve.

Is "has passed on" only used to refer to death?

While primarily used as a euphemism for death, "has passed on" can also refer to the act of transferring something, such as knowledge or responsibility. In this context, alternatives like "has transferred" or "has handed down" are more appropriate.