pass on

USAGE SUMMARY

"pass on" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to transmitting or conveying something. For example, "He passed on his knowledge of finance to his son."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I pass on through.

The New York Times - Food

"I'm going to pass on that".

The New Yorker

But what to pass on?

The Guardian

So you might pass on that.

Forbes

I'll pass on this one".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'll pass on that one.

Forbes

Felt took a pass on that one.

Forbes

Pass on this one… ;) .

Vice

Pass on?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human secretions pass on disease.

The New Yorker

What did he pass on to you?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, clearly specify what is being passed on, whether it's information, an opportunity, or a physical item.

Common error

Avoid using "pass on" interchangeably with verbs that have different nuances. For example, while "pass on" can mean 'decline', using it when a more assertive 'reject' is appropriate can weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "pass on" functions as a dynamic verb, indicating an action or process. It carries different meanings depending on the context, such as transferring information, declining an offer, or euphemistically indicating death. Ludwig provides several examples that illustrate this versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "pass on" demonstrates versatility, functioning as a dynamic verb with several distinct meanings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Its ability to convey information, decline offers, or serve as a euphemism for death underscores its adaptability in communication. While generally neutral in register, its use in softer contexts, such as discussions of death, makes it a valuable tool. Understanding its various nuances is crucial for effective and context-appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transmit

Focuses on the act of conveying something, typically information or a disease.

convey

Emphasizes the communication of a message or information.

hand down

Implies transferring something, usually knowledge or traditions, to a younger generation.

communicate

A broader term for sharing information or ideas.

decline

Specifically means to refuse or reject an offer or invitation.

reject

Similar to decline, but can also imply a stronger refusal.

refuse

A more direct synonym of decline and reject, indicating unwillingness to accept.

leave behind

Indicates transferring something after death, such as wealth or legacy.

will

Suggests bequeathing possessions or wishes after death, with legal implications.

bequeath

A formal term for leaving something to someone in a will.

FAQs

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

"Pass on" has multiple meanings. You can use it to mean communicate something (e.g., "Please pass on the message"), decline an offer (e.g., "I'll pass on dessert"), or euphemistically refer to death (e.g., "My grandfather passed on last year").

What are some alternatives to "pass on" when declining an offer?

Instead of "pass on", you could say "I'll decline", "I'll have to refuse", or "I'm not interested", depending on the level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "pass on" to refer to someone's death in all situations?

While "pass on" is a common euphemism for death, its appropriateness depends on the context and your relationship with the audience. In formal settings or when speaking to someone grieving, more direct or respectful language might be preferred. In general conversation, it can be a gentler way to convey the news.

What's the difference between "pass on" and "hand down"?

"Pass on" can refer to conveying information, declining something, or dying. "Hand down", on the other hand, specifically means to transmit something, like knowledge or traditions, from one generation to the next.