passed away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'passed away' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to someone who has died. Example: I was so saddened to hear that my grandmother had passed away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Passed away.

The New York Times

"So many passed away.

The New York Times

Dot passed away.

The New York Times

Passed away suddenly.

The New York Times

"This guy passed away.

The New York Times

I assume she passed away".

The New York Times

She has since passed away.

The New Yorker

Lena, 66, recently passed away.

The New York Times

Mum passed away in 2002.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A. My husband passed away.

The New York Times

She passed away yesterday morning.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing obituaries or memorial tributes, "passed away" can be a suitable choice. It softens the directness of "died".

Common error

Avoid using "passed away" in casual conversation with close friends or family who might prefer more direct language. Overusing it can sound stilted or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passed away" functions as a euphemism for death, softening the directness of stating that someone has died. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a respectful way to refer to a person's death, often used in obituaries and formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passed away" is a common and correct euphemism for death, widely used to soften the directness of the word "died", according to Ludwig AI. It functions primarily to convey news of death sensitively and respectfully, particularly in formal contexts such as obituaries and news reports. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in casual conversations where more direct language might be appropriate. As Ludwig examples show, this phrase appears mostly in news and media, academic writing, and scientific publications, making it a versatile and appropriate choice across various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

died

More direct and less formal way of saying "passed away".

is no longer with us

A more gentle and indirect way of saying someone has died, emphasizing their absence.

lost their life

Focuses on the loss experienced due to death.

departed

A formal and somewhat archaic way of saying someone has died.

succumbed to

Suggests death resulting from an illness or condition.

rested in peace

A phrase used after someone's death, wishing them eternal peace.

kicked the bucket

An informal and humorous way of saying someone has died.

bought the farm

Informal term that means to die.

gave up the ghost

An archaic phrase meaning to die.

met their maker

A religious expression implying someone has died and is now with God.

FAQs

What does "passed away" mean?

"Passed away" is a euphemism for death, used to soften the directness of saying someone has died. It is a more gentle and respectful way to refer to someone's death.

When is it appropriate to use "passed away"?

It is appropriate to use "passed away" in formal settings, obituaries, or when speaking to someone who is grieving. It's a respectful way to avoid the bluntness of the word "died".

Are there alternatives to saying "passed away"?

Yes, there are many alternatives depending on the context. Some options include "died", "is no longer with us", or "lost their life". The best choice depends on the audience and the desired level of formality.

Is "passed away" considered formal language?

Yes, "passed away" is generally considered more formal than simply saying someone "died". It is often used in obituaries, news reports, and other formal communications where a more sensitive tone is desired.