passage

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'passage' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to mean the movement or travel from one place to another, or a written or spoken extract from a book or other piece of writing. For example: "He made his passage across the Atlantic Ocean in a small sailing boat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"At this late date, prompt passage of the USA Freedom Act by the Senate is the best way to minimize any possible disruption of our ability to protect the American people," Clapper said on Friday.

The Guardian

Her retirement is another step in the right (or, technically, left) direction for Minnesota's progressives, who are on something of a roll lately with the defeat of a voter ID law and the passage of marriage equality legislation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Aasheim said the passage of the concealed-carry bill did not influence the decision of the wildlife agency to introduce its bill.

The Guardian

Even as strong an impression as that made by my first experience of a live first class match (this one from 1975) was corrupted by the passage of time, only to be rectified by the unarguable flat data of the web.

The Guardian - Sport

Hadid claims that passage was based on a February 2014 statement taken out of context, before work on the stadium had begun and that there were no worker deaths at the site.

The Guardian - Arts

So as you make your passage from first-year to NQT, we'll be here offering support and advice to help you along the way.

The Guardian

'I've got the pen': Obama urges passage of legislation to extend middle income tax cuts, and promises to authorise it immediately The White House confirmed that Obama would be prepared to veto any legislation that maintained the Bush-era tax cuts on upper income earners.

The Guardian

In a week where Gentleman Jim Davidson has won Celebrity Big Brother, you might find yourself wondering whether there is any semi-pariah in British life who, by mere virtue of hanging around long enough, would not eventually find themselves restored to some sort of vogue given the right passage of time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Compared with the 1960s and 1970s, when Enoch Powell was exploiting dislike of Caribbean immigrants in particular, the passage of time and the accumulation of personal contacts have changed our attitudes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet the widely expected passage of the the USA Freedom Act later this week will mark a more permanent victory for advocates of surveillance reform: a ban on the NSA hoovering up the telephone records of American citizens.

The Guardian

The final passage, however, is also a flawless rendering of the real-life miracle of snowfall, a few light taps upon the window ushering in a flurry of some of the most beautiful prose ever printed.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a section of text, ensure the context is clear. Specify the source and topic for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "passage" interchangeably with terms like "message" or "voyage". "Passage" typically implies a section of text or a means of transit, whereas "message" refers to communication, and "voyage" denotes a journey.

Linguistic Context

Passage primarily functions as a noun, denoting a section of text, a means of transit, or the act of passing. Ludwig's examples illustrate its diverse applications, from legislative contexts to describing physical spaces, aligning with standard grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "passage" is a versatile noun with multiple meanings, ranging from a section of text to a means of transit. Ludwig's analysis confirms that "passage" is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. When using "passage", consider its specific meaning in context and avoid confusing it with similar terms like "message" or "voyage". Ludwig provides valuable examples and writing guidance to help ensure clarity and precision in your writing, highlighting its significance in everyday language and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transition

Refers to a change or shift from one state, subject, or place to another, emphasizing the process of moving.

movement

Highlights the act of changing position or going from one place to another.

corridor

Emphasizes the physical aspect of a long, narrow space serving as a pathway.

excerpt

Specifically denotes a selected portion of a text or musical composition.

trot passage

Specifically refers to the dressage movement, adding technical nuance.

access

Indicates the means or opportunity to approach or enter a place.

passing

Implies the act of moving past or through something.

passing movement

Focuses on the motion of going by something.

pathway

Suggests a route or way for moving from one point to another.

trot

Simply signifies movement in the form of gait of a horse.

FAQs

How can I use "passage" in a sentence?

You can use "passage" to refer to a section of text, like "The final "passage" of the book was very moving", or to the act of passing, such as "The safe "passage" of the bill is crucial".

What are some synonyms for "passage" when referring to a text?

When referring to a section of text, consider using synonyms like "excerpt", "section", or "extract".

When is it appropriate to use "passage" to describe a physical space?

You can use "passage" to describe a corridor or a route, as in "The secret "passage" led to the hidden chamber" or "The "passage" through the mountains was treacherous".

How does the meaning of "passage" differ from "transit"?

"Passage" can refer to both a physical route or a section of text, while "transit" typically refers specifically to the act or process of moving people or goods from one place to another.