passed on something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passed on something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of declining or not accepting an offer, opportunity, or information. Example: "I was offered a promotion, but I decided to pass on it because I prefer my current role."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"They were preserved by great-granddaughters who knew they'd been passed on something to treasure," he added.

The New York Times

Just as the man in The Hobo Code gave him the gift of wandering, Don passed on something to Andy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A few weeks into his term, he passed on something he thought I should know: the county police had made a list of people to be arrested in the event of a serious civil disturbance, and my name was on it.

The New Yorker

They may have passed on something you said about her, only in a different way than you meant it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I'm actually passing on something, through the hardship, through the turmoil," Mr. Morris said.

The New York Times

Note to Ms Romanovitch: if you really want to pass on something better to the next generation, try addressing the criticisms of the current generation of MPs.

The Guardian - Business

Culture, on the other hand… this is something we can pass on, something precious, something of us, our pride and our prejudice, the fallible and the hopelessly romantic, the irrational and occasionally hysterical, the real – if only a glimpse.

The Guardian - Sport

Having eventually cleared this hurdle, she was barred from using the (women-only) swimming pool after admitting that she was not a virgin; she might pass on something nasty to fellow swimmers.

The Guardian - Books

"If you are just picking the team and then going out and watching them, who is going to suggest changes, or tell you which players are feeling tired and could do with a break, or pass on something you've picked up on about what's going on in their private lives?

Independent

In Director magazine in April, she described her "vibrant economy" initiative: "All of us in the UK, if we're going to thrive, and pass on something better to the next generation, we've all got a responsibility to step up and drive the things that are going to create growth".

The Guardian - Business

They're not taken by some reader loyal to specific blog that's willing to risk his job just to pass on something cool.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passed on something" when you want to emphasize the act of transferring knowledge, values, or tangible items from one person or generation to another. For example, "My grandmother passed on something of her wisdom to me."

Common error

Avoid using "passed on something" when a more specific verb would be clearer. For example, instead of "He passed on something to his colleague," specify whether he "explained something", "gave something", or "taught something".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passed on something" functions as a verb phrase, where "passed on" is a phrasal verb indicating the act of transferring or conveying something. The 'something' refers to the object, information, or quality being transferred. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, citing examples where it signifies conveying information or an inheritance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "passed on something" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of transferring or conveying something, be it knowledge, values, or physical items. Ludwig AI validates that it is a phrase correctly found across different sources and contexts. While not exceedingly common, its usage spans news, general writing, and scientific domains, maintaining a generally neutral tone. For enhanced clarity, consider using more specific verbs if the context allows, but understand that "passed on something" effectively communicates the transmission of an unspecified entity from one source to another.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conveyed something

Focuses on the act of communicating or transmitting information, ideas, or feelings.

transmitted something

Emphasizes the transfer of something, often intangible, from one person or place to another.

imparted something

Highlights the act of bestowing knowledge, wisdom, or a quality.

handed down something

Implies a tradition or legacy being transferred from one generation to the next.

passed along something

Similar to 'conveyed', but can also imply a casual or informal transmission.

communicated something

Focuses on the act of making something known or understood.

declined something

Indicates a refusal to accept or take advantage of an opportunity.

rejected something

Implies a stronger refusal or disapproval of something offered or presented.

turned down something

Similar to 'declined', but can suggest a more personal or deliberate choice.

refused something

Indicates a firm and direct rejection of something.

FAQs

How can I use "passed on something" in a sentence?

You can use "passed on something" to describe the act of conveying knowledge, values, or a physical object from one person to another. For example, "She "passed on something" valuable to her students."

What can I say instead of "passed on something"?

Alternatives include "conveyed something", "transmitted something", or "imparted something", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "pass down something" instead of "passed on something"?

"Pass down something" is a similar and often interchangeable phrase. It emphasizes the intergenerational aspect of the transmission, while ""passed on something"" can be more general.

What is the difference between "passed on something" and "passed something on"?

The phrases are similar in meaning. "Passed something on" is the more common phrasing, placing emphasis on the object or information being transferred. "Passed on something" is less frequent but grammatically correct.