pass them along

USAGE SUMMARY

'pass them along' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to communicate that someone should hand a responsibility or task to someone else. For example, "I can't take on any more projects, so please pass them along to the rest of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I didn't see them listed in your newsletter so I thought I would pass them along".

The New Yorker

If people are drawn to him, he can pass them along to trainers and operational planners.

The New York Times

If you want to ask Mr. Nichols some questions, please pass them along.

The New York Times

Governments absorb the costs directly or pass them along to oil exploration and production companies.

The New York Times

Using reward cards drives up costs for merchants, who pass them along in the form of higher prices.

The New York Times

He told the donors that he hoped they would remember them and pass them along to their friends.

The New Yorker

If you're also interested in this topic, or have reading suggestions or thoughts for me — pass them along!

Stanford University

Then they simply pass them along to their companies, which generally view them as the cost of doing business.

The New York Times

"Teachers get into the profession because they want to inspire children, not pass them along an assembly line," he said.

The Guardian

We pass them along the line and closer to some imaginary ultimate punishment that everyone assumes will change the behaviour.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Whatever drugs they're on, pass them along".

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pass them along", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'them' refers to, preventing ambiguity. For instance, "If you have any questions, pass them along to the team lead."

Common error

Avoid using "pass them along" without clearly establishing what "them" represents in the sentence. Instead of saying 'I received some documents and passed them along', specify 'I received the documents and passed them along to Sarah'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pass them along" is that of a phrasal verb, acting as a transitive verb. It requires an object ("them") and indicates the action of transferring something to another party. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pass them along" is a very common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to convey the act of transferring something—whether information, responsibilities, or physical objects—from one entity to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and useful phrase. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. To ensure clarity, it's vital to define "them" clearly. Consider alternatives like "relay them" or "forward them" based on the specific context. Remember to avoid ambiguity by clearly defining what “them” refers to in your sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pass them on

A very close synonym, with a slightly more informal tone.

relay them

A more concise way to say "pass them along", often used for information.

forward them

Specifically implies sending something onward, often electronically.

hand them over

Emphasizes the act of physically transferring something.

transfer them

A more formal and general term for moving something from one place or person to another.

convey them

A formal term, typically used for communicating information or feelings.

transmit them

Suggests a more technical or impersonal transfer, like data.

communicate them

Specifically refers to sharing information or ideas.

assign them

Implies a formal allocation of tasks or responsibilities.

defer them

Suggests postponing the work to another person.

FAQs

How can I use "pass them along" in a sentence?

You can use "pass them along" to mean to forward something to someone, whether it's information, an item, or a responsibility. For example, "If you receive any complaints, please "pass them along" to the customer service department."

What is a synonym for "pass them along"?

Synonyms for "pass them along" include "forward them", "relay them", or "hand them over". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it better to say "pass them on" or "pass them along"?

"Pass them on" and "pass them along" are largely interchangeable and have similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or what sounds more natural in a particular context. Generally, both are correct and understood.

What does "pass them along" imply about the recipient?

"Pass them along" suggests that the recipient is the next appropriate person or entity to handle whatever 'them' refers to, indicating a chain of responsibility or communication.