pass an offer

USAGE SUMMARY

"pass an offer" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when declining a job offer or declining any kind of offer. For example: I'm sorry, but I must pass on your offer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Part of the GOP's effort involves distancing the party from controversial voices like King, and yet in June House Republicans passed an amendment, offered by King, that would deport more Dreamers.

Huffington Post

Goldstone offered other help, passing along an offer of assistance from an executive at the Russian social media company VKontakte, or VK.

The Washington Post

Steve Finley passed up an offer from the Giants to stay as Arizona's center fielder for a two-year, $11.25 million contract.

The New York Times - Sports

Marvin McWhorter, who committed whole passages of Ted Williams's "Science of Hitting" to memory, passed up an offer from the Oakland A's in order to continue with school, and eventually became a shift supervisor at a juvenile detention home.

The New York Times - Books

Guardian Media Group, the owner of the Guardian and Observer newspapers, has moved a step closer to buying Jazz FM after a deadline for rival bids passed without an offer being posted.

The Guardian

The lyric "Count me out" is such a perfectly weighty sendoff, but Avila makes it sound like he's passing up an offer to chip in for pizza delivery.

The New Yorker

After two seasons with the Eagles, Jeremiah says he passed on an offer from ESPN and joined the league's media arm, which had identified the draft as a major growth area.

The Washington Post

Put all this together and you'd be forgiven for wondering whether the brains at CCHQ were foolish for passing up an offer from I'm a Celebrity winner Georgia "Toff" Toffolo on the grounds that she was "too posh".

The Guardian - Opinion

Another HUD employee later passed along an offer by the housing-rights advocate to drop the investigation if the critics dropped their suit and stopped publishing material about the project.

The New York Times

Mundo Deportivo said Bryant passed on an offer from Barcelona to compete exclusively for the club in the more high-profile Euroleague games, which pit up to 18 of the best basketball teams in Europe against one another every season.

The Guardian - Sport

But as months passed without an offer, Foster worried that DLJ was losing interest.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pass an offer", ensure the context is clear about why the offer is being declined. Providing a brief explanation can maintain goodwill.

Common error

Avoid using "pass an offer" when you mean to suggest that the offer was accepted or approved. "Pass" in this context means to decline or reject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass an offer" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of declining or rejecting a proposition. Ludwig shows examples where the word "passed" is used to signify that someone declined.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pass an offer" is a verbal phrase used to politely decline a proposition. Ludwig confirms the phrase’s existence and use across various reliable sources. While grammatically correct, its frequency is relatively rare. It’s suitable for neutral to informal contexts and commonly found in news, wiki articles and academic discussion. Consider alternatives like "decline an offer" or "turn down an offer" depending on the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Decline to accept an offer

A more elaborate and formal way of saying "decline an offer".

Decline an offer

Uses a more formal verb, emphasizing the act of refusal.

Reject an offer

Similar to decline, but with a stronger connotation of refusal.

Turn down an offer

A more informal way to decline, suitable for everyday conversation.

Refuse an offer

Directly expresses the unwillingness to accept the offer.

Say no to an offer

Simple and straightforward way to express non-acceptance.

Walk away from an offer

Implies a deliberate choice to reject an attractive offer.

Forgo an offer

Emphasizes the loss or sacrifice involved in declining the offer.

Dismiss an offer

Suggests that the offer was not seriously considered.

Pass up the chance

Focuses on the missed opportunity rather than the act of declining.

FAQs

What does it mean to "pass on" an offer?

To "pass on" an offer means to decline or reject it. It suggests that you are choosing not to accept the offer for personal reasons.

Is it better to say "decline an offer" or "pass on an offer"?

"Decline an offer" is more formal, suitable for business or official settings. "Pass on an offer" is more informal and appropriate for casual conversations.

What are some polite ways to "pass on" an offer?

You can politely decline by saying, "I appreciate the offer, but I'm going to have to pass," or "Thank you for thinking of me, but I must decline at this time."

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "pass an offer"?

It's appropriate to use "pass an offer" when you want to politely reject something. The word "pass" implies that you considered the offer but decided against it.