passed the bar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passed the bar" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to mean that someone has passed the bar exam, which is a test required to become a licensed lawyer. For example: "He passed the bar last year and began his career as a lawyer soon after."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Berge had recently passed the bar.

The New Yorker

I had passed the bar.

The New York Times

I passed the bar exam and was declared "fit".

The New York Times

He has not passed the bar in four attempts.

The New York Times

He passed the bar before attening Columbia Midshipman's School.

The New York Times

Nine of them passed the bar; six didn't.

The New York Times

He passed the bar in Portland in 2000.

The New York Times

He passed the bar exam on his first try.

The New York Times

After Darden passed the bar, he was hired by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office.

The New Yorker

Having passed the bar, Daley went into private practice with his brother Michael.

The New Yorker

He passed the bar exam and is well and widely read.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "passed the bar", ensure it's clear which bar examination you are referring to, especially if discussing multiple jurisdictions.

Common error

Avoid assuming that just because someone "passed the bar" in one state, they are automatically licensed to practice law in all states. Each jurisdiction has its own requirements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passed the bar" functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful completion of the bar examination, a requirement for legal licensure. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passed the bar" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression signifying the successful completion of the bar examination, a critical step in becoming a licensed attorney. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase appears frequently in diverse contexts, from news reports to encyclopedic entries. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various communication scenarios. The successful passing of the bar is the result of years of study, therefore using the phrase is appropriate in both professional and casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succeeded on the bar exam

Emphasizes success more directly than "passed".

qualified as a lawyer

Focuses on the outcome of becoming a lawyer.

gained admittance to the bar

Highlights the official acceptance into the legal profession.

obtained a license to practice law

Stresses the acquisition of the legal right to work as a lawyer.

cleared the bar examination

Uses a more formal term, "cleared", for "passed".

was admitted to the bar

Passive voice focusing on the act of being accepted.

met the requirements to practice law

General expression indicating fulfillment of the legal standards.

became a licensed attorney

Focuses on the resulting professional status.

completed the bar examination successfully

Highlights the successful completion of the exam.

overcame the bar exam

Implies the bar exam was a difficult obstacle to overcome.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "passed the bar"?

To have "passed the bar" means that someone has successfully completed the bar examination, a test required in most jurisdictions to become a licensed attorney.

What happens after someone has "passed the bar"?

After someone has "passed the bar", they typically need to fulfill other requirements, such as a character and fitness review, before being officially admitted to the bar and licensed to practice law.

What can I say instead of "passed the bar"?

You can use alternatives like "succeeded on the bar exam", "qualified as a lawyer", or "was admitted to the bar" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "passed the bar exam" and "passed the bar"?

No, "passed the bar exam" and "passed the bar" are generally interchangeable. Both phrases indicate successful completion of the licensing examination for attorneys.