pass on dessert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pass on dessert" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone chooses not to have dessert after a meal. Example: "After finishing my dinner, I decided to pass on dessert because I was too full."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

(Pass on dessert, fridge-cold).

The New York Times - Food

We said we were going to pass on dessert, but would like a cup of coffee.

The New York Times - Food

At Market Table, reviewed in this week's issue, it would be easy to pass on dessert, given the satisfying dishes that proceed it.

The New Yorker

Why is it, then, when I'm out with friends who are overweight, they feel free to comment that "I'm too skinny," when it would be extremely rude for me to suggest they pass on dessert because they're already fat?

The New York Times

By Andrea Thompson August 12, 2008 At Market Table, reviewed in this week's issue, it would be easy to pass on dessert, given the satisfying dishes that proceed it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

While sophisticated science may yield a more precise segmentation of disease states, and a few magic bullets, we'll likely still be left with many more diseases than drugs, and our health will likely continue to depend upon our ability to modify our behavior, whether that means passing on dessert or taking our medicines regularly.

Forbes

They meant 'triple' but I passed on dessert nonetheless @Nick_Boulos Coastal restaurants in the Arab world abound with "crap salad" @philizoper Dishes called "no name" and "fried stuff" in Thailand.

The Guardian - Travel

We passed on desserts – mostly just iced things in bowls or on sticks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We passed on desserts, but they looked good, especially the chestnut tiramisu and the gratin of pineapple with tropical fruit.

The New York Times - Travel

Normally I would tell you to pass on the desserts because of calories and I'm not into sweets that much, but the bitter chocolate dessert is out of this world.

Huffington Post

Pass on the pie; another dessert is just down the road.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pass on dessert" when you want to politely decline dessert, especially in social settings where you don't want to emphasize dieting or health concerns.

Common error

Avoid using "passed on dessert", as "passed" implies something given to someone else. "Pass on dessert" correctly indicates declining the dessert option.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass on dessert" functions as a verb phrase indicating a decision to decline or refuse dessert. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show it used in both personal and review contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pass on dessert" is a grammatically sound and polite way to refuse an offer of dessert. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media, indicating a neutral register. Alternatives include the simpler "skip dessert" or the more formal "decline dessert". When using this phrase, ensure you're indicating a voluntary choice to decline, not a transmission of something to another person. By understanding its nuances, you can use "pass on dessert" effectively in a variety of settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not have dessert

A simple and straightforward way of saying one will not eat dessert.

skip dessert

More concise and informal way to say no dessert.

I'll skip the dessert

Personalized declaration of not wanting dessert. Includes the pronoun "I".

take a pass on dessert

More conversational and slightly less direct way of declining.

decline dessert

More formal and polite way to refuse dessert.

refuse dessert

Direct and clear refusal of dessert.

forgo dessert

Slightly more elevated or literary way to say skip dessert.

opt out of dessert

Indicates a choice not to participate in having dessert.

abstain from dessert

Emphasizes self-restraint or dietary reasons for not eating dessert.

give dessert a miss

British English idiom for skipping dessert.

FAQs

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

You can use "pass on dessert" when you want to decline a dessert offering. For example, "I'm feeling quite full, so I'll "pass on dessert" tonight."

What does it mean to "pass on dessert"?

To "pass on dessert" means to decline the offer or opportunity to have dessert, often due to feeling full or not wanting something sweet.

What are some alternatives to "pass on dessert"?

Some alternatives to "pass on dessert" include "skip dessert", "decline dessert", or "forgo dessert".

Is it more polite to "pass on dessert" or to simply say "no"?

"Pass on dessert" is generally considered more polite than a simple "no", as it softens the refusal and doesn't directly reject the offering. However, context and tone are also important.