pass gas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pass gas" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the act of releasing gas from the digestive system through the anus. Example: "I couldn't concentrate during the meeting because I was trying my best to hold in my urge to pass gas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They pass gas, they urinate, they cough all the time.

The New York Times

"And you get to pass gas at work," wrote one trainee surgeon.

Independent

h is achieved and more importantly, per pass gas conversion and methanol selectivity exceed 90 and 95%, respectively.

Catalysis Today

Many people assume they produce excessive amounts of gas; however, it's quite typical to pass gas around 20 times a day!

Columbia University

During a massage, as the body relaxes, some people may fall asleep, drool, or pass gas — all of which are completely normal physical responses to tension relief.

Columbia University

Dunham didn't like one of Peanut's first jokes, about how another reality-TV star, Kim Kardashian, would pass gas on a baby if it meant getting some publicity.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is fitting that the characters of "The Royle Family" belch and pick their noses and pass gas as they revel in their video habit.

The New York Times - Arts

After all, players and people going to the games will drive through areas still without power and water and heat and pass gas stations with crazy long lines of people exhausted by the storm and its aftermath.

The New York Times - Sports

For those who survived the physical test, auditions also consisted of an individual interview with members of the entertainment staff — which included questions like "What's the craziest thing you've ever done?" and answers like "pass gas in church".

The New York Times - Sports

"When you mix the little bugs with a carbohydrate — wet wheat is a good one — they begin to eat up all the oxygen in it, and then they pass gas made up of ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide".

The New Yorker

Last October, Virtual Vineyards sent out a Halloween e-mail newsletter with a subject line reading "Boo!" Some Japanese customers misunderstood the reference, Sproule says, because they thought the word meant to pass gas.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing health or medical topics, use "pass gas" or "flatulence" for a more professional tone. In casual conversation, "fart" or "break wind" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using highly informal terms like "fart" in formal writing. Instead, opt for "pass gas" or the medical term "flatulence" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass gas" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action. It describes the physical process of expelling gas from the digestive system. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is grammatically correct and used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pass gas" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of expelling gas from the digestive system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for general written English. While terms like "fart" are more informal, "pass gas" provides a more neutral and polite alternative. Usage is widespread in contexts ranging from news and media to scientific discussions. Understanding the appropriate level of formality is key: in professional settings, "flatulence" may be preferred. Remember to be mindful of your audience and the context when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fart

A more direct and informal term for "pass gas".

flatulate

A more formal and clinical term for releasing gas from the digestive system.

break wind

An idiomatic expression for "pass gas", often considered more polite than "fart".

expel gas

A more technical and neutral way to describe the release of intestinal gas.

release intestinal gas

A descriptive phrase explaining the physiological process.

emit gas

Similar to 'expel gas' but can also refer to non-bodily gases.

toot

A childish or humorous term for "pass gas".

have flatulence

Indicates the condition of having intestinal gas, rather than the act of releasing it.

let one go

An indirect and colloquial expression for "pass gas".

cut the cheese

A slang phrase for "pass gas", more humorous and less direct.

FAQs

What does it mean to "pass gas"?

To "pass gas" means to release air from the digestive system through the anus, also known as flatulence.

What is a more formal way to say "pass gas"?

A more formal term for "pass gas" is "flatulate", often used in medical contexts.

Is it normal to "pass gas" frequently?

Yes, it's normal to "pass gas" several times a day. The frequency can vary depending on diet and individual factors.

What causes someone to "pass gas"?

Common causes include the digestion of certain foods, such as beans and vegetables, and the swallowing of air.