passes it along

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passes it along" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of sharing information or a message with someone else. Example: "Once I receive the report, I will read it and then pass it along to the team for their feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Each box both receives the signal and passes it along, albeit at diminished strength.

The New York Times

Emilia knows that Iago wants it, and she passes it along, not realizing that Othello will consider it definitive proof of his wife's infidelity when he finds it in Cassio's possession, thanks to Iago.

The New York Times

Switzerland then collects the money and passes it along.

The Economist

In grasping that joy, Mr. Oldman partakes of it and passes it along to the audience.

The New York Times

It is then fed into a laser that passes it along within the laser's beam.

MIT Technology Review

He rolls it to Maldini, who passes it along to Galli.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The insurance company would pay the tax but would almost certainly pass it along to the employer and its employees.

The New York Times

We pass it along to the Rockefeller Institute.

The New Yorker

"I'll pass it along to our reservations team".

The New York Times

But he added, "I don't pass it along".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Now the next generation will remember and pass it along".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passes it along" when you want to emphasize a chain of transfer, where something is received and then given to someone else. For instance, in a network, data might be received by one node and then "passed along" to the next.

Common error

While "passes it along" is generally acceptable, it can sound informal in some professional or academic settings. Consider using more formal alternatives like "forwards it" or "relays it" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passes it along" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of transferring something—information, responsibility, or an object—from one person or entity to another. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "passes it along" is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of transferring something, typically information or an item, to another person or entity in a sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While generally neutral, it's more commonly found in news and media contexts, and may benefit from more formal alternatives in academic or scientific writing. The phrase conveys a sense of relaying or forwarding, often implying a chain of transfer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forwards it

Focuses on the act of sending something onward, often electronically.

relays it

Implies a transmission, often of information, through an intermediary.

conveys it

Highlights the act of communicating or making something known.

transmits it

Suggests a more formal or technical transfer, often of data or signals.

communicates it

Emphasizes the act of sharing information clearly.

hands it over

Indicates a physical transfer of an object or responsibility.

disseminates it

Implies a widespread distribution of information.

circulates it

Suggests spreading something among a group of people.

delegates it

Focuses on assigning a task or responsibility to someone else.

defers it

Implies the action of submitting something to another entity for a final decision.

FAQs

How can I use "passes it along" in a sentence?

You can use "passes it along" to describe the act of transferring something to someone else, such as information or an object. For example, "The manager reads the reports and then "passes it along" to the team."

What are some alternatives to "passes it along"?

Alternatives include "forwards it", "relays it", or "conveys it", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "passes it along" formal or informal?

"Passes it along" is generally considered to be neutral to slightly informal. In formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives such as "transmits it" or "delegates it".

What's the difference between "passes it along" and "hands it over"?

"Passes it along" implies a transfer in a sequence or chain, while "hands it over" typically refers to a direct, one-time transfer. For example, you "pass it along" in a process, but you "hand it over" directly to someone.