pass the exam

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pass the exam" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking or writing about someone taking or having taken an exam. For example, "Jacob worked hard and he was able to pass the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When that expires, a sweep must pass the exam again.

The New York Times

After they pass the exam, they receive their course certificate.

The New York Times - Tech

Famous fellows include Isaiah Berlin, while British prime minister Harold Wilson did not pass the exam.

Independent

If you're helping your child pass the exam, we'd like to hear from you.

The Guardian

She must pass the exam, which tests clinical knowledge, to receive her medical degree.

The New York Times

I am an excellent test-taker and could easily pass the exam.

The New York Times - Magazine

She must pass the exam for the wedding to go on as scheduled.

The New York Times - Sports

We further find that the accelerated program alumni take less time after program completion to pass the exam.

Journal of Accounting Education

If the student does not pass, the exam must be repeated.

Stanford University

Students who do not pass the exam a second time may merit department action or review.

Stanford University

Students may NOT retake the CASE exam if they did not pass the exam before.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pass the exam", ensure the context clearly indicates which exam is being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "pass the bar exam" or "pass the physics exam".

Common error

Avoid using the incorrect tense or subject-verb agreement when using "pass the exam". For example, instead of saying "He have to pass the exam", say "He has to pass the exam".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass the exam" functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful completion of an examination. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, illustrating its grammatical soundness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pass the exam" is a very common and grammatically correct way to describe the successful completion of an examination. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including academia, news media, science, and wikis. It functions as a verb phrase conveying successful completion and meeting required standards. While it maintains a generally neutral register, it is appropriate for both formal and informal settings. To avoid ambiguity, it's best to specify which exam is being referenced. Common alternatives include "succeed on the exam" and "ace the exam", though the best choice depends on the specific context. Understanding its proper usage, as well as common errors to avoid, ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succeed on the exam

Replaces "pass" with "succeed on" emphasizing successful completion.

ace the exam

Uses "ace" to imply achieving a very high score on the exam.

be successful in the exam

Emphasizes success as the outcome of taking the exam.

clear the exam

Uses "clear" to indicate successfully overcoming the hurdle of the exam.

get through the exam

Focuses on completing the exam successfully, implying overcoming a challenge.

make it through the exam

Similar to "get through", highlighting the effort required to complete the exam.

complete the exam successfully

More formal and explicit about the successful completion of the exam.

achieve a passing grade on the exam

Focuses on the grade achieved, specifically a passing grade.

attain a passing score on the exam

Similar to achieving a passing grade, focusing on the score.

measure up in the exam

Focuses on meeting the required standard for the exam.

FAQs

How can I use "pass the exam" in a sentence?

You can use "pass the exam" to describe the successful completion of a test. For instance, "She studied diligently to "pass the exam" and get her certification".

What are some alternatives to saying "pass the exam"?

Alternatives include phrases like "succeed on the exam", "ace the exam", or "get through the exam", depending on the context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "passed away the exam" instead of "pass the exam"?

No, "passed away the exam" is incorrect. "Passed away" means to die. The correct phrase to indicate successful completion of an examination is ""pass the exam"".

What's the difference between "pass the exam" and "take the exam"?

"Pass the exam" refers to successfully completing the examination, while "take the exam" simply means to participate in the examination, regardless of the outcome.