pass out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pass out" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that someone has lost consciousness, usually as a result of exhaustion or illness, or to describe the process of distributing something such as flyers or papers. For example: The trick was so difficult that the magician almost passed out from exhaustion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Until you pass out.

The New York Times - Books

Pass out leaflets.

The New York Times

You almost pass out.

The New York Times - Arts

To pass out.

The New Yorker

Then pass out.

The New Yorker

Maybe I'd pass out again.

The New York Times

Wake up, drink, pass out.

The Economist

Did I pass out?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Just pass out.

The Guardian - Music

Eventually they pass out.

The New York Times - Science

I WILL PASS OUT," she tweeted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, ensure the context is clear when using "pass out". For instance, specify if you're distributing something (e.g., "pass out flyers") or referring to loss of consciousness (e.g., "pass out from exhaustion").

Common error

The most common error is to confuse the two primary meanings of "pass out": to faint and to distribute. Be sure your sentence provides enough context so the reader understands which meaning you intend.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass out" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI confirms its use for both losing consciousness and distributing items. Its grammatical role involves modifying a subject by describing an action or state, which aligns with the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Sports

2%

Culture

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "pass out" is a versatile term with two primary meanings: to lose consciousness and to distribute items. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in both contexts. While generally acceptable, it is important to consider the formality of your writing, as "lose consciousness" or "distribute" may be more appropriate in formal settings. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki articles, as shown in the Ludwig examples, reflecting its wide accessibility. Understanding the context is crucial to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faint

Focuses solely on the meaning of losing consciousness.

lose consciousness

A more formal way of saying someone has passed out.

become unconscious

Similar to 'lose consciousness' but emphasizes the state of being.

swoon

Implies a more dramatic or romanticized loss of consciousness.

black out

Indicates a sudden and temporary loss of consciousness.

hand out

Focuses on the meaning of distributing items.

distribute

A formal term for giving out items.

give out

Similar to distribute and hand out.

collapse

Emphasizes the physical act of falling after losing consciousness.

fall unconscious

A more descriptive alternative to losing consciousness.

FAQs

What does "pass out" mean?

The phrase "pass out" has two main meanings: to lose consciousness (faint) and to distribute or hand out items.

What can I say instead of "pass out" (to faint)?

You can use alternatives like "faint", "lose consciousness", or "become unconscious".

What can I say instead of "pass out" (to distribute)?

Alternatives include "hand out", "distribute", or "give out".

Is it appropriate to use "pass out" in formal writing?

While "pass out" is widely understood, it can be considered informal. In formal contexts, "lose consciousness" or "distribute" might be more suitable depending on the intended meaning.