he passed on

USAGE SUMMARY

"he passed on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has died, or more figuratively, that someone has shared information or passed something down to someone else. Example 1: "I was saddened to hear that my grandfather passed on last night." Example 2: "Before he passed on, my father gave me some valuable advice that I will never forget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Coach Barta's victories and championships will be remembered, but the lessons he passed on will be cherished for generations.

The New York Times - Sports

He passed on more valuable things too, teaching his son Patrick to whistle by age 4.

The New York Times

Indeed, much of the information he passed on was later proved to be inaccurate.

The New York Times

Yes, that's something he passed on to us, to my sister, my brother and me".

Comparative Migration Studies

He passed on it.

The New York Times - Sports

He passed on the drink.

The New York Times - Sports

He passed on all three.

The New York Times

He passed on her address.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To his successors, he passed on power.

The Guardian

He passed on April 15 , 2008

The New York Times

Most he passed on to ombudsmen in EU states.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To be more direct, specify what he passed on to (he passed on his skills to the next generation, the leader passed the power on to their successor).

Common error

Avoid using "he passed on" in highly formal or scientific writing where clarity and directness are paramount. Opt for "he died" or "he transferred" to ensure precision and avoid any perception of avoiding the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he passed on" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used as a euphemism for death. However, Ludwig indicates it can also denote transferring information or declining an offer. This ambiguity requires context for accurate interpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he passed on" is a versatile phrase primarily functioning as a euphemism for death, but also indicating the transfer of knowledge or the act of declining something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts. While common in news and media, its use in formal writing requires careful consideration. When choosing alternatives, consider "he died" for directness or "he transferred" for conveying the passing of something tangible or intangible. This ensures clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he died

This is a direct and common synonym for when someone has deceased.

he transferred

This refers to the act of moving something, like knowledge or skills, to someone else.

he handed down

Suggests the passing of something, like traditions or knowledge, from one generation to the next.

he bequeathed

This refers specifically to the act of leaving something to someone in a will.

he left behind

Focuses on what remains after someone's death, whether tangible or intangible.

he bequeathed it to

Focuses on the act of leaving a physical item or legacy to someone or something.

he declined

Implies a polite refusal of an invitation or offer.

he communicated

Focuses on the act of sharing something with other parties involved in the conversation or narrative.

he rejected

Implies a refusal of something offered or proposed.

he disseminated

Describes the act of spreading information widely.

FAQs

How do I use "he passed on" in a sentence?

You can use "he passed on" to mean someone has died, as in, "he passed on peacefully in his sleep." It can also mean someone conveyed something, such as "he passed on the information to his colleague."

What's a less formal way to say "he passed on"?

If you're referring to death, a less formal way to say "he passed on" is "he died". If you mean he conveyed something, you could say "he told" or "he shared" depending on the context.

Is "he passed on" always about death?

No, "he passed on" isn't always about death. It can also mean that someone transferred something, like knowledge or an opportunity. For example, "he passed on the family business to his son" or "he passed on the secret recipe."

Which is correct, "he passed on" or "he passed away"?

"He passed on" and "he passed away" are both euphemisms for death and are generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context. They are both intended to soften the directness of saying "he died."