passed the test

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'passed the test' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to somebody successfully completing an exam or assessment. For example: "I'm so proud of my son - he passed the test with flying colors!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He passed the test.

The New York Times

His bratwursts passed the test.

The New York Times - Sports

The park passed the test.

The New York Times

China had passed the test.

The New Yorker

"She passed the test".

The New York Times - Style

Seventy passed the test.

The New York Times

The 17 Julliard dancers passed the test.

The New York Times - Arts

Sebastian Faulks has passed the test.

The Guardian - Books

He clearly passed the test.

The New York Times

We all passed the test.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A further 28 banks passed the tests.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "passed the test", ensure the context clearly defines what "test" refers to. It could be an exam, a trial, or a challenge, so clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "passed the test" in contexts where a more specific verb would be appropriate. For example, instead of "The food passed the test", consider "The food tasted delicious" or "The recipe was successful."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passed the test" primarily functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a subject has successfully completed an evaluation or met a specific standard. Ludwig provides examples across various domains where this phrase conveys successful completion of a challenge or assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "passed the test" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies the successful completion of a trial or assessment. Its neutral register allows it to appear in various forms of communication, most commonly in news and media, science, and academia. Remember to provide clear context when using this phrase to ensure your message is easily understood. When a more specific verb would be appropriate for a context, consider some alternatives such as "succeeded in the assessment", "met the criteria", or "achieved a passing grade".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succeeded in the assessment

Emphasizes the successful outcome of a more formal evaluation or assessment.

fulfilled the requirements

Highlights the action of complying with a set of requirements.

met the criteria

Focuses on fulfilling specific requirements or standards, suitable for technical or regulatory contexts.

satisfied the conditions

Highlights that the conditions have been complied with.

demonstrated proficiency

Showcases a high level of skill or competence in a specific area.

achieved a passing grade

Specifically relates to academic performance and grading systems.

proved capable

Highlights the ability to do something successfully.

came through with flying colors

Implies exceeding expectations and demonstrating exceptional performance.

excelled in the examination

Highlights outstanding performance in a formal examination setting.

overcame the obstacle

Suggests that an obstacle has been beat

FAQs

How can I use "passed the test" in a sentence?

You can use "passed the test" to indicate that someone or something has successfully completed an evaluation or met a certain standard. For example: "The student "passed the test" with flying colors" or "The new software "passed the test" for security vulnerabilities".

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

Alternatives include "succeeded in the assessment", "met the criteria", or "achieved a passing grade" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "passed the test" or "past the test"?

"Passed the test" is correct when indicating successful completion. "Past the test" is grammatically incorrect in this context. "Past" is a preposition indicating location or time.

What's the difference between "passed the test" and "passed with flying colors"?

"Passed the test" simply means the minimum requirements were met. "Passed with flying colors" implies that the requirements were exceeded and the performance was notably excellent. It shows "came through with flying colors".