pass it along

USAGE SUMMARY

"pass it along" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to mean to share or pass on information or something else to someone else. For example, "I heard a rumor that the company is laying off workers, so be sure to pass it along to your coworkers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The insurance company would pay the tax but would almost certainly pass it along to the employer and its employees.

The New York Times

Blalock told her to pass it along.

The New York Times - Sports

And pass it along they did.

The New York Times

E.Z., NEW YORK You should not pass it along.

The New York Times - Magazine

We pass it along to the Rockefeller Institute.

The New Yorker

But he added, "I don't pass it along".

The New York Times - Magazine

"They want to share it and pass it along," he added.

The New York Times

The employee had no ethical obligation — and quite possibly no legal right — to pass it along.

The New York Times - Magazine

She mentioned the note to her sellers, she said, but did not pass it along.

The New York Times

"I thought I would fix it up and pass it along to a painter".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Don't tell his friends that you want them to pass it along.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pass it along", ensure the context is clear. Specify what "it" refers to, especially if it's not immediately obvious. For example, "If you hear any updates, please pass them along."

Common error

Avoid using "pass it along" when "it" is unclear. Ambiguous pronoun references can confuse your audience. Instead of saying "Pass it along", specify the item or information being passed, such as "Pass the message along" or "Share the document".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pass it along" is a phrasal verb that acts as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object ("it") and indicates the action of transferring something to another person. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests sharing or conveying information or an object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pass it along" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to instruct someone to relay information or an object to another person. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is predominantly found in news and media, scientific, and wiki contexts, making it versatile across different registers, though generally neutral in formality. To ensure clarity, always make sure the referent of "it" is clear. For alternatives, you might consider "forward it", "share it", or "convey it" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forward it

Highlights the action of sending something that you have received to someone else.

share it

Implies making something available for others to use or know.

convey it

Focuses on communicating or transmitting information directly.

relay it

Implies passing information or a message that was given to you.

transmit it

Emphasizes the act of sending or broadcasting something, often information or a signal.

communicate it

Focuses on making information known or understood.

circulate it

Suggests distributing information widely among a group of people.

transfer it

Highlights the act of moving something from one place or person to another.

hand it over

Suggests physically giving something to someone.

give it to them

A more direct and informal way of saying to transfer something.

FAQs

How can I use "pass it along" in a sentence?

You can use "pass it along" to mean sharing information or giving something to someone else. For example, "If you find a good article, please pass it along" or "I'll pass your message along to the manager".

What does "pass it along" mean?

"Pass it along" means to give something to someone else, often information or a physical item. It implies a transfer from one person to another. Similar phrases include "forward it" or "share it".

What's a more formal way to say "pass it along"?

In a formal context, you could use phrases like "convey the information", "transmit the message", or "forward the document". These alternatives are more suitable for professional communication.

Is it ever incorrect to use "pass it along"?

While "pass it along" is generally correct, avoid using it when the reference of "it" is unclear. Always ensure the context makes it obvious what you're referring to. Otherwise, use a more specific phrase.