it might pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it might pass" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the possibility that something will be accepted or tolerated, often in a context where there is uncertainty. Example: "I know the proposal has some flaws, but if we present it well, it might pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

A trip by Mr Uribe to Brasília last month produced only an offer by Brazil to study whether it might pass on intelligence from Sivam, its new high-tech Amazonian surveillance system.

The Economist

At this rate, it might pass on Wednesday.

The New York Times

It might pass as a protest about traffic accidents.

The Guardian - Arts

It is so intricate that it might pass for the design of a semiconductor chip.

The Economist

In another time or place, it might pass for Olympics preparation.

The New York Times

It was so dispassionate in fact that it might pass for objectivity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Against the cold?" "If I thought it'd cheer you up I might pass it," she said.

The Guardian - Books

Now the mask is something I am starting to consider for daily wear and wondering how I might pass it off as a fashion accessory.

The New York Times

If the second act were as brief as the first, it all might pass snappily enough to excuse the broad characterisation, random plot twists and ever-decreasing cycles of slanging and squabbling.

The Guardian

Not only was Kanjorski serious, he planned to offer the legislation as early as next week -- and it just might pass.

Huffington Post

Mitochondrial disease is a misery to those who have it and a terror to those who fear they might pass it on to their children; curtailing it would be wonderful.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "it might pass" with conditional clauses (e.g., "it might pass, if certain conditions are met") to specify the circumstances under which passage is more likely.

Common error

Avoid using "it might pass" when there's strong evidence indicating a definite outcome. Overstating uncertainty where certainty is evident can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it might pass" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a possibility or potential outcome. It suggests that something has a chance of being approved, accepted, or successful, without guaranteeing it. As Ludwig AI underlines, this phrasing leaves room for uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it might pass" is a grammatically sound and usable modal verb phrase that conveys a sense of possibility or potential approval. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts and sourced from reputable publications like The New York Times and The Economist. While not extremely common, it's a reliable way to express uncertainty or qualified prediction, with alternatives like "it could be approved" or "it may be accepted" offering similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could be approved

Replaces "might" with "could", suggesting a slightly lower probability of passage or approval.

it may be accepted

Substitutes "might" with "may", indicating a formal tone and possibility of acceptance.

it is likely to pass

Expresses a higher degree of probability compared to "might", suggesting a strong chance of passage.

it has a chance of passing

Emphasizes the possibility of success but may imply a degree of uncertainty.

it is conceivable that it will pass

Uses "conceivable" to express the possibility, adding a layer of intellectual consideration.

it is within the realm of possibility that it will pass

Highlights the phrase's existence within the range of possible outcomes.

it stands a chance of success

Implies an opportunity for success, slightly different from simple passage or approval.

it is not impossible for it to pass

Emphasizes the absence of impossibility, indirectly suggesting a potential for passage.

it is on the cards

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is likely or possible.

it is up for approval

Highlights the aspect of approval and consideration.

FAQs

How to use "it might pass" in a sentence?

You can use "it might pass" to express a possibility or potential approval. For example, "The new law might pass if it gains enough support".

What can I say instead of "it might pass"?

You can use alternatives like "it could be approved", "it may be accepted", or "it is likely to pass" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it might pass" or "it will pass"?

"It might pass" suggests a possibility, while "it will pass" indicates certainty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the likelihood of the event.

What's the difference between "it might pass" and "it could pass"?

Both "it might pass" and "it could pass" express possibility, but "might" often suggests a slightly lower probability than "could". In most contexts, they are interchangeable.