pass a message

USAGE SUMMARY

"pass a message" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the act of transmitting information from one person to another. For example, "The company sent out an email to its employees to pass a message about an impending policy change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

We use them to reach people and pass a message".

The Guardian

Over email, Manafort asked Kilimnik to pass a message to Deripaska, offering "private briefings" about Trump's campaign.

The Washington Post

"I want you to pass a message to the U.S. leadership: America has great power and influence and can make a difference.

The New Yorker

The magazine said that Abdeslam had asked a friend to meet him to pass a message to his family – and warn the friend against being drawn into radical Islam.

Independent

A thread can pass a message to any other thread by calling SendMessage with a pointer to the destination thread and a void pointer to any type of message structure.

Cornell University

A woman who answered the phone at the Pelham Manor address first denied knowing Ms. Bernheim, then agreed to pass a message to her, but there was no response.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Henry and Smith passed a message to the pitch through Hansen.

The Guardian - Sport

Last week, Mr. Annan passed a message to a group of Iraqi leaders at the United Nations.

The New York Times

In March, 2011, aides at the Ministry of Culture passed a message to Serebrennikov: he should ask for the state's blessing.

The New Yorker

A light in the enemy's trenches was so rare at that hour that I passed a message down the line.

Independent

In the book, Megrahi claimed he was passed a message by Mr MacAskill that "it would be easier to grant compassionate release if I dropped my appeal".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pass a message", consider the tone and context to ensure it aligns with your intended meaning. Choose synonyms if you want to convey a more formal or specific nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "pass a message" when direct communication is possible and preferable. Using an intermediary can sometimes dilute the message or create misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass a message" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of conveying information from one party to another through an intermediary. Ludwig AI confirms its general usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pass a message" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of relaying information through an intermediary. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase sees frequent use in news, academic, and general contexts. While generally neutral in tone, choosing synonyms might be appropriate when more precision or formality is needed. Remember to consider the context and intent when using "pass a message" to ensure clear and effective communication. Common errors involve using this phrase when direct communication would be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

convey a communication

Emphasizes the act of transmitting information, but uses more formal language.

relay an instruction

Suggests a more authoritative or directive tone in the communication.

deliver an announcement

Implies a formal or official piece of news being transmitted.

communicate information

A broader term, focusing on the act of sharing information in general.

forward a notification

Implies sending a message that alerts someone to something.

send word

A more idiomatic and less direct way of saying "pass a message".

hand over the information

Focuses on the physical act of transferring the message.

get the word across

Focuses on successfully communicating a concept or idea.

transmit a signal

Suggests a more technical or coded form of communication.

transfer the data

Highlights the factual, often digital or recorded, nature of the message.

FAQs

How can I use "pass a message" in a sentence?

You can use "pass a message" to describe conveying information from one person to another, such as "Could you please "pass a message" to John that the meeting is postponed?"

What can I say instead of "pass a message"?

You can use alternatives like "convey a communication", "relay an instruction", or "deliver an announcement" depending on the context.

Is it better to "pass a message" directly or through someone else?

It depends on the situation. Directly communicating a message ensures clarity and reduces the risk of misinterpretation. However, "passing a message" through someone else might be necessary if direct contact is impossible or inappropriate.

What's the difference between "pass a message" and "send a message"?

"Pass a message" typically implies using an intermediary to deliver the information. "Send a message" is a more general term that can include both direct and indirect methods of communication.