pass away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pass away" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the death of a person or a thing, usually figuratively speaking. For example, "The old man's laughter quickly passed away and he fell silent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I will pass away".

The New York Times

This will pass away".

The New Yorker

"Did someone pass away?

The New York Times - Sports

When did she pass away?

The New Yorker

This pain will pass away.

The New York Times

I wish I would pass away".

The New Yorker

So when did Mildred pass away?

The New Yorker

And films pass away, don't they?

The New York Times

Politics pass away, they seem to say.

The New Yorker

"He could pass away tonight," Smith said.

The New Yorker

Nobody will pass away any more.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pass away" when you want to soften the impact of discussing death, especially in sensitive or formal contexts. It is a gentler way to refer to someone's death.

Common error

Avoid using "pass away" in situations where directness is preferred, such as medical reports or legal documents. In these contexts, using more direct language like "die" or "death" can be clearer and more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass away" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, serving as a euphemism for death. As Ludwig AI confirms, it softens the bluntness of the word "die", making it suitable for sensitive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pass away" is a widely recognized and frequently used idiomatic verb phrase that functions as a euphemism for death. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its primary function of softening the impact of discussing death. It is commonly found in news and media, science, and wiki sources. While "pass away" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in contexts where directness is preferred. As shown by Ludwig's examples, the phrase serves to convey a sensitive topic with respect and consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

die

This is a direct and less euphemistic synonym.

perish

A more formal and sometimes dramatic way to say die.

expire

Often used in formal or legal contexts.

succumb

Often used when someone dies from an illness.

depart this life

A formal and somewhat archaic way to say die.

be no more

A poetic and indirect way to describe death.

breathe one's last

A literary and gentle way to describe dying.

kick the bucket

An informal and often humorous idiom for die.

go to meet one's maker

A religious euphemism for death.

end

A simple and direct way to describe the termination of something, including life.

FAQs

What does "pass away" mean?

"Pass away" is a euphemism for death, used to soften the directness of saying someone died. It's a gentler way to refer to the end of someone's life.

When is it appropriate to use "pass away"?

It's appropriate to use "pass away" in sensitive or formal contexts when you want to be respectful or avoid being too blunt about death. You might use it when speaking to someone who is grieving or in obituaries.

What are some alternatives to "pass away"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "die", "perish", "expire", or "kick the bucket".

Is "pass away" more formal than "die"?

Yes, "pass away" is generally considered more formal and euphemistic than "die". While "die" is a direct and neutral term, "pass away" aims to soften the impact of discussing death.