pass on it

USAGE SUMMARY

"pass on it" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when deciding not to take an opportunity or option. Example: "I think I'll pass on it and wait for a better offer." Alternative expressions include "decline it" and "skip it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Yet they seem to pass on it as well.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'd probably pass on it," Nick Mangold said.

The New York Times - Sports

Fox would eventually pass on it, as would the other three major networks.

The Guardian

"We know that when he makes a mistake, you have to put a good pass on it.

The New York Times - Sports

Flanagan conveys the hilarity and mortal horror of the scene beautifully, but then has Kahn pass on it.

The New York Times - Books

If buyers perceive the project to be a rental passed off as a condo at condo prices, they'll pass on it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

I passed on seeing it, though.

Vice

'Pass it on, pass it on, pass it ON...'.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No one could agree what it was, or was worth, and Habibi passed on it.

Science Magazine

He passed on it.

The New York Times - Sports

before passing on it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pass on it", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being declined. For example, specify the offer, invitation, or opportunity you're choosing to forgo.

Common error

Avoid using "pass on it" in highly formal or professional communications. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives like "decline" or "reject" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

Linguistic Context

"Pass on it" functions as a phrasal verb indicating a decision to decline or reject something. It's commonly used to express the act of forgoing an opportunity, offer, or invitation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pass on it" is a phrasal verb used to express the act of declining or rejecting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts, including news and media. While it's a versatile phrase, remember to tailor your choice of words to match the formality of the situation; more formal options like "decline it" or "reject it" may be more appropriate in certain settings. The analysis shows that the phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science. Avoid overusing it, and be mindful of the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline it

Directly indicates a refusal or rejection, maintaining a formal tone.

turn it down

A common phrasal verb that means to reject or decline an offer or invitation.

reject it

Similar to decline, but can imply a stronger opposition or disapproval.

refuse it

Emphasizes a firm and often defiant unwillingness to accept something.

skip it

Suggests a more casual decision to omit or avoid something.

forgo it

Implies a voluntary abstention or sacrifice of something desirable.

opt out of it

Indicates a choice to withdraw from or not participate in something.

give it a miss

A more colloquial expression for deciding not to do or have something.

take a rain check on it

Suggests postponing something, with the implication of rescheduling later.

abstain from it

Formally indicates choosing not to do or use something, often for moral or health reasons.

FAQs

What does it mean to "pass on it"?

To "pass on it" means to decline or reject an offer, opportunity, or invitation. It indicates a decision not to participate in or accept something.

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

You can use "pass on it" like this: "I think I'll "pass on it" this time and wait for a better opportunity", or "They offered me the job, but I decided to "pass on it"".

What can I say instead of "pass on it"?

You can use alternatives like "decline it", "reject it", or "refuse it" depending on the context.

Is "pass on it" formal or informal?

"Pass on it" is generally considered informal. In more formal settings, it is better to use more formal options like "decline it" or "reject it".