pass on something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pass on something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are telling someone to convey a message or piece of information to someone else. For example, "Please pass on my apologies to your mother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Note to Ms Romanovitch: if you really want to pass on something better to the next generation, try addressing the criticisms of the current generation of MPs.

The Guardian - Business

Culture, on the other hand… this is something we can pass on, something precious, something of us, our pride and our prejudice, the fallible and the hopelessly romantic, the irrational and occasionally hysterical, the real – if only a glimpse.

The Guardian - Sport

Having eventually cleared this hurdle, she was barred from using the (women-only) swimming pool after admitting that she was not a virgin; she might pass on something nasty to fellow swimmers.

The Guardian - Books

"If you are just picking the team and then going out and watching them, who is going to suggest changes, or tell you which players are feeling tired and could do with a break, or pass on something you've picked up on about what's going on in their private lives?

Independent

In Director magazine in April, she described her "vibrant economy" initiative: "All of us in the UK, if we're going to thrive, and pass on something better to the next generation, we've all got a responsibility to step up and drive the things that are going to create growth".

The Guardian - Business

My life is still a juggling act, but I'm not afraid to pass on something when my heart isn't fully in it.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"I'm actually passing on something, through the hardship, through the turmoil," Mr. Morris said.

The New York Times

You're just passing on something interesting that her question made you think of.

WikiHow

To be able to pass on a little something.

Independent

"They were preserved by great-granddaughters who knew they'd been passed on something to treasure," he added.

The New York Times

Just as the man in The Hobo Code gave him the gift of wandering, Don passed on something to Andy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pass on something" when you want to indicate the act of transferring information, values, or objects to another person or generation. For example, "We must pass on the importance of education to our children."

Common error

Avoid using "pass on something" when you actually intend to communicate the act of 'passing away'. While similar, the latter refers to death, which is a different meaning altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass on something" functions primarily as a phrasal verb construction. Ludwig AI indicates it's used to describe the act of transferring or conveying something, be it information, an object, or a trait. It can also indicate a refusal or decline of an offer.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pass on something" is a versatile phrasal verb used to convey the transfer of information, objects, or qualities, or to decline an offer. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears frequently in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal settings. Alternative phrases include "convey something", "transmit something", and "hand down something". Be mindful of the context to avoid misinterpreting the phrase, especially confusing it with the act of 'passing away'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

convey something

Focuses on the act of communicating or transferring information or an object.

transmit something

Implies the act of sending or transferring something, often information or a disease.

hand down something

Emphasizes the act of passing something from one generation to the next.

transfer something

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

impart something

Focuses on conveying knowledge, wisdom, or a quality.

relinquish something

Highlights the act of giving up or surrendering something.

decline something

Specifically refers to refusing or rejecting an offer or opportunity.

waive something

Implies voluntarily giving up a right or claim.

skip something

Emphasizes omitting or bypassing something.

forgo something

Suggests abstaining from or doing without something.

FAQs

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

You can use "pass on something" to mean to transfer knowledge, skills, or possessions. For example, "It is our duty to "pass on something" valuable to future generations".

What does it mean to "pass on something"?

"Pass on something" can mean to give someone information or an item you received from someone else. It can also mean to decline an invitation or opportunity.

What are some alternatives to "pass on something"?

Alternatives include "convey something", "transmit something", or "hand down something", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "pass down something" or "pass on something"?

Both phrases are correct, but "pass down something" often implies inheritance or tradition, while ""pass on something"" can be more general.