pass the word

USAGE SUMMARY

"pass the word" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally means to spread the information quickly and to many people. For example, "Can you pass the word to your friends and family that the sale is starting tomorrow?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Read the column, pass the word, and post your thoughts.

The New York Times

I think it's very important for us to go back home and pass the word".

The New York Times

I take it you will pass the word around to relevant people.

The Guardian - Books

But would someone please pass the word to him that clams are not crustaceans.

The New York Times - Arts

"Yachtsmen pass the word around and get out before the checks start," he told Corriere della Sera.

The Guardian

She asked him to pass the word along that she had a half-furnished basement apartment for rent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Elissa Calabro, another senior, passed the Word test.

The New York Times

Writer passed the word on to Ms. McFadden.

The New Yorker

After briefly formulating his summary, he passes the word.

The New York Times

She passed the word on to her interpreters.

The New York Times

Writer adds that it's probably passing the word to the rest of the flock.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pass the word" when you want to encourage others to share information widely and quickly, especially when it's beneficial or important for many to know.

Common error

Avoid using "pass the word" in highly formal or academic writing; opt for more professional alternatives like "disseminate information" or "communicate the details."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass the word" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used as a verb phrase. As per Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the action of sharing information with others, encouraging them to further disseminate it. The examples show its use in various contexts to spread news or announcements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Huffington Post

12%

Less common in

Science

3%

Forbes

3%

The Economist

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pass the word" is a common and correct English phrase used to encourage the spread of information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its use in various contexts such as news, general announcements, and community alerts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings. Consider using more formal alternatives like "disseminate information" in professional or academic contexts. Remember to use it when you want others to share information widely and quickly, but avoid overusing it in highly formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread the news

Focuses on disseminating information broadly.

let people know

A simple and direct way to say to inform others.

spread the message

Emphasizes conveying a specific piece of information or belief.

get the message out

Highlights the effort to ensure information reaches its intended audience.

tell everyone

Focuses on informing a large group of people.

make it known

Stresses the act of publicly declaring something.

announce it

Suggests a formal or official declaration.

circulate the information

Implies a systematic distribution of data.

communicate the information

Highlights the formal act of sharing information.

advise others

Implies offering guidance or recommendations through information.

FAQs

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

You can use "pass the word" to encourage people to share news or information. For example, "Please "pass the word" about the upcoming community event".

What's a more formal alternative to "pass the word"?

In more formal settings, you could use phrases like "disseminate information" or "communicate the details" instead of "pass the word".

Is "pass the word" appropriate for business communication?

While "pass the word" is acceptable, consider using more professional phrases like "inform stakeholders" or "notify the team" in formal business communication.

What does it mean to "get the message out" instead of "pass the word"?

"Get the message out" ("get the message out") emphasizes the effort to ensure the information reaches a specific audience effectively, while "pass the word" focuses on broad dissemination.