he passes out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he passes out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone losing consciousness or fainting, often due to exhaustion, illness, or other factors. Example: "After running the marathon without proper hydration, he passes out on the finish line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

He passes out condoms.

The New Yorker

He passes out candy.

The New York Times

Then he passes out, and everyone leaves.

The New York Times - Arts

He passes out on the bed & she undresses him for "forty winks while I get supper".

The New Yorker

"Then he passes out for the rest of the week," Mr. Gluckson added.

The New York Times

He offers Spade a large sum of money to secure it, but Spade's drink has been drugged, and he passes out before he can accept.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

He passed out halfway through.

The New Yorker

He passed out several times.

The New York Times - Health

Then he passed out three no-trump.

The New York Times

Several nights, he passed out cold.

The New York Times - Magazine

I think he passed out," Oakley says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's sudden loss of consciousness in a narrative, use "he passes out" to add a sense of immediacy and realism. This is particularly effective if the character is under stress, exhausted, or has a medical condition.

Common error

Avoid using "he passes out" in formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and professional terms like "he lost consciousness" or "he experienced syncope" to maintain a serious and credible tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he passes out" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state change – the act of losing consciousness. Ludwig AI identifies this phrase commonly used in narrative contexts to describe a character's sudden loss of awareness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he passes out" is a common way to describe a male subject losing consciousness, often due to identifiable factors. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct. While suitable for news, general narratives, and informal contexts, it's advisable to opt for more formal language in scientific or technical contexts. When writing, consider using alternative phrases like "he loses consciousness" or "he blacks out" based on the specific context to ensure the appropriate level of formality and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he loses consciousness

Replaces the idiom with a more clinical description of the same event.

he blacks out

Uses a more colloquial term for a sudden loss of consciousness.

he faints

Suggests a brief loss of consciousness, often due to a temporary drop in blood flow.

he collapses

Emphasizes the physical act of falling down due to loss of strength or consciousness.

he falls unconscious

A more formal way of saying he loses consciousness.

he succumbs

Suggests a giving in to exhaustion or illness leading to a loss of consciousness.

he is knocked unconscious

Implies an external force caused the loss of consciousness.

he dozes off

Implies falling asleep unintentionally, rather than losing consciousness due to an external factor.

he becomes unresponsive

Focuses on the lack of reaction, rather than the cause of it.

he's out cold

An informal expression for being deeply unconscious.

FAQs

What does "he passes out" mean?

The phrase "he passes out" means that someone loses consciousness, usually temporarily. It can be caused by various factors such as exhaustion, dehydration, illness or injury.

What can I say instead of "he passes out"?

You can use alternatives like "he loses consciousness", "he blacks out", or "he faints" depending on the context.

Is "he passes out" formal or informal?

"He passes out" is generally considered to be an informal expression. In more formal contexts, it would be better to use phrases such as "he lost consciousness" or "he became unresponsive".

What are some common reasons why someone might "pass out"?

People might "pass out" due to a variety of reasons, including exhaustion, dehydration, low blood sugar, medical conditions, or as a result of consuming drugs or alcohol. It indicates a temporary loss of consciousness that often requires medical attention.