it gets a pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it gets a pass" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is excused or allowed, often despite not meeting certain standards or expectations. Example: "Even though the project was late, it gets a pass this time because of the unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It gets a pass in my book because if the huge feature list, but I'll agree with the haters, it's a hog sometimes.

TechCrunch

It gets a pass.

Los Angeles Times

So it gets a pass from most newsrooms -- unless the cops get involved.

Huffington Post

Just because something happens to be delicious should not mean that it gets a pass when it comes to ethics.

Huffington Post

Starz seems to have sunk a lot of dough into this kind of breezy, adventure-ish fare (it's got Michael Bay's pirate drama "Black Sails" coming next year), but just because something's adventurous doesn't mean it gets a pass on coherence and gets to be sloppy.

Huffington Post

(As an aside, Rod Ansell, the crocodile-fighting bushman Hogan and company insist the character is NOT based upon, was put up in a fancy hotel by the BBC and slept on the floor. So it gets a pass for accuracy, but loses several points for nicking someone else's life story).

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

That doesn't mean it gets a free pass on treating LGBT asylum seekers like criminals.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this phone… it gets a special pass.

TechCrunch

As Harrison Mooney writes on Yahoo.com, you either think it's a dirty hit to the head worth a much bigger punishment or you think it's inadvertent and gets a pass.

The New York Times - Sports

His girly tank top gets a pass because it has become the official wardrobe of the resident villain.

Huffington Post

"The plan is then put to the local community for voting in a referendum, and if it gets a majority it gets passed into policy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it gets a pass" when you want to convey that something is being excused or tolerated despite its flaws or shortcomings. It's suitable for situations where leniency is being applied.

Common error

While "it gets a pass" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Over-reliance can make your writing sound colloquial or less professional. Opt for more formal synonyms like "it is excused" or "it is overlooked" in academic or business contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it gets a pass" functions as a colloquial expression to indicate that something is being excused or tolerated, despite its flaws or shortcomings. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is acceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it gets a pass" is a colloquial way of saying something is excused or tolerated despite its flaws. Ludwig AI marks this phrase as acceptable and most of its examples are from News & Media. While grammatically correct, it's best suited for informal contexts; formal writing may require alternatives like "it is excused" or "it is overlooked" for greater precision and professionalism. Overusing this phrase can make your writing seem less polished, so strategic use is recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's excused

Implies a formal exemption from a rule or obligation.

it's overlooked

Suggests the fault or issue is intentionally ignored.

it's given a reprieve

Focuses on a temporary suspension of a negative consequence.

it's let off the hook

Describes being released from a difficult situation or responsibility.

it's pardoned

Indicates forgiveness for a wrongdoing or error.

it's granted an exemption

Highlights a formal allowance to deviate from a standard.

it's allowed to slide

Indicates negligence toward fault or error.

it's condoned

Implies acceptance or approval of something that is usually wrong.

it's tacitly approved

Suggests approval is given without explicit statement.

it's absolved

Focuses on the act of formally freeing someone from guilt or blame.

FAQs

How can I use "it gets a pass" in a sentence?

Use "it gets a pass" when something is excused or allowed despite a flaw. For example, "The movie's plot was weak, but "it gets a pass" because of its stunning visuals."

What can I say instead of "it gets a pass"?

Alternatives include "it is excused", "it is overlooked", or "it is pardoned", depending on the context.

Is "it gets a pass" formal or informal?

"It gets a pass" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "it is exempt" or "it is forgiven".

When is it appropriate to use "it gets a pass"?

It is appropriate in casual conversation or informal writing when you want to indicate that something is being excused or overlooked. Avoid using it in professional or academic contexts where greater precision is expected.