pass over this question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pass over this question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that a particular question will not be addressed or answered. Example: "In the interest of time, I will pass over this question and move on to the next topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Let's pass over this question and simply note that they have not been prepared to elaborate on their written statements.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The program acknowledgments, however, tend to pass over this.

The New York Times - Arts

(We pass over many questions that would have to be addressed if we were discussing the problem of universals for its own sake.

SEP

The texts pass over the question of how, given this shared commitment to utilitarian social order, the people developed such diverse conceptions of morality in the first place.

SEP

I will pass over the question of diagnosis (it's possible he was not simply depressive) and the question of how such a beautiful human being had come by such vividly intimate knowledge of the thoughts of hideous men.

The New Yorker

However, we need not pass on this question here.

Cornell University

Is this what I really want?" It's so easy to pass over these questions and just do what we think we're supposed to because everyone else is.

Huffington Post

Catholic apologists who point to Pope John Paul II's 1996 address to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences as evidence of the Church's acceptance of evolution often fail to notice that the late Pope completely passed over the question of monogenism, and indeed never did discuss the problem that genetics poses to the doctrine.

Forbes

I will pass over, as Cicero said, the question of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.

Huffington Post

To pass over.

The New Yorker

Debate over this question is largely political.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pass over this question" when you want to acknowledge a question's existence but choose not to delve into it at that moment. It's a polite way to redirect the conversation without dismissing the question entirely.

Common error

Avoid using "pass over this question" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "let's skip this one" or "maybe later" to maintain a natural flow. The phrase can sound overly formal or evasive if not used carefully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass over this question" functions as a discourse marker indicating a deliberate decision to bypass or postpone addressing a specific inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, indicating that it serves to manage the flow of conversation or discussion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pass over this question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to deliberately avoid addressing a question, typically in formal or semi-formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms this, underlining its validity. While alternatives like "skip this question" or "defer this question" exist, this specific phrasing can be useful in professional settings to acknowledge a question without providing an immediate response. However, be mindful of overuse, as it can be perceived as evasive. Its function is to redirect focus, and its formality level varies across news, academic, and business environments. The phrase appears uncommonly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skip this question

A more direct and informal way to say you will not address the question.

omit this question

Implies a deliberate choice to leave out the question, often for brevity.

bypassing this question

Suggests strategically avoiding the question to move forward.

set aside this question

Indicates the question is being temporarily ignored but may be revisited later.

defer this question

Suggests postponing the discussion of the question to a later time or different context.

table this question

A more formal term for postponing a question, often used in meetings.

leave this question aside

Similar to setting aside, but with a slightly more casual tone.

not address this question

A straightforward declaration of not dealing with the question.

avoid this question

Highlights an intention to steer clear of the question, possibly due to its complexity or sensitivity.

move on from this question

Emphasizes the action of proceeding to other topics without answering the question.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "pass over this question"?

The phrase "pass over this question" is appropriate in formal settings, such as presentations, meetings, or written communications, where you need to acknowledge a question without necessarily answering it immediately. It indicates a deliberate decision to postpone or avoid the question for the time being.

What are some alternative ways to say "pass over this question"?

You can use alternatives like "skip this question", "omit this question", or "defer this question" depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "pass over this question" considered evasive?

While "pass over this question" can be a neutral way to redirect a conversation, it can also be perceived as evasive if used frequently or in situations where transparency is expected. Consider the audience and context when deciding whether to use this phrase.

How can I politely decline to answer a question without using "pass over this question"?

You could say, "That's an interesting point, but it's outside the scope of our discussion today" or "I don't have enough information to answer that question accurately right now". These alternatives offer a reason for not answering without being dismissive.