passing away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passing away" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a euphemism for dying, often in a sensitive or compassionate context. Example: "After a long battle with illness, she peacefully passed away surrounded by her loved ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm passing away.

The New York Times

"The older generation was passing away.

The Guardian

Life will go on outside, passing away. . . .

The New Yorker

Learning the news of him passing away felt very sad.

Stanford University

"People passing away — the vicissitudes of life," Weiner said.

The New York Times - Sports

On each bed, a little life is passing away.

The New York Times

It is the fanāʾ ("passing away") of the carnal self.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We are not passing away but struggling to survive.

The Guardian

"I see a lot of breadwinners passing away".

The New York Times

With his passing away she loses her greatest living symbol.

The Guardian - Opinion

The news of his passing away comes as a terrible shock to many.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing between "passing away" and more direct terms like "died". In formal or professional settings, "passed away" may be too euphemistic.

Common error

Avoid using "passing away" in situations where directness is preferred, such as medical reports or legal documents. In such cases, "died" or "death" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing away" functions as a euphemism for death, serving to soften the potentially harsh or upsetting nature of the term "death". It's commonly used in obituaries, condolences, and everyday conversation to express sympathy or respect. As Ludwig AI also confirms, it provides a more sensitive way to discuss a difficult topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

11%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "passing away" is a widely accepted euphemism for death, used to soften the impact of this sensitive topic. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in contexts requiring compassion and respect. While its register is generally neutral, it's crucial to avoid overuse in settings demanding directness. Semantically related phrases like "passed on" or "departed" can be used as alternatives, depending on the desired level of formality. By understanding its nuances, you can use "passing away" effectively in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passed on

An informal euphemism for dying.

departed

Similar to "passing away" but may imply a more formal or spiritual context.

left us

Focuses on the impact of the death on those who remain.

deceased

Replaces a verb phrase with a single adjective indicating someone has died.

succumbed

Implies death as a result of illness or injury.

is no more

Emphasizes the absence of the person or thing that has ceased to exist.

met their end

A more dramatic or literary way to describe death.

gone to the great beyond

Suggests a spiritual afterlife, a more gentle way to describe death.

kicked the bucket

A very informal and often humorous way to say someone has died. Much less formal than "passing away".

bit the dust

Very informal and usually refers to a defeat or failure that leads to death.

FAQs

What does "passing away" mean?

"Passing away" is a euphemism for dying, used to soften the impact of the word "death". It suggests a gentle transition rather than an abrupt end.

When is it appropriate to use "passing away"?

It's appropriate to use "passing away" in sensitive contexts, such as obituaries, condolences, or when speaking with someone who is grieving. It offers a more compassionate tone.

What are some alternatives to "passing away"?

You can use alternatives like "passed on", "deceased", or "departed", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "passing away" a formal or informal term?

"Passing away" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal euphemism. It's more formal than slang terms, but less clinical than "died".