take a pass

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a pass" is correct and it is commonly used in written English.
You can use the phrase "take a pass" to express that you do not want to participate in something or that you are choosing to not take advantage of an opportunity. Example: "I think I'll take a pass on the offer to go to the party tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They really take a pass on entitlements".

The New York Times

As for me, I'll take a pass.

The New York Times

But take a pass on the shrimp cocktail.

The New York Times

Take a pass on the beer-battered apple fritters.

The New York Times

Even in recent times, presidents still occasionally take a pass.

The New York Times

Wouldn't it be nice to take a pass occasionally?

The New York Times

"If the tie's not there, we'll take a pass".

The New York Times

If that is true, one can certainly see why the Yankees would take a pass.

The New York Times

But take a pass on the pan-seared tuna Sicilian style.

The New York Times

If you like collecting seashells, you may want to take a pass on the cone shell.

Britannica

"That makes it easier to cut through the middle and take a pass," McPhee said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase; in highly formal contexts, a more direct alternative such as "decline" may be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "take a pass" when you need to express strong disapproval or rejection. The phrase is generally used for polite declinations, not forceful refusals.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "take a pass" functions as a verb phrase used to express a polite refusal or declination. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and commonly used in written English. As the examples in Ludwig show, it's a way of saying no without being overly direct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take a pass" is a common idiomatic expression used to politely decline an offer or opportunity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used in written English. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and audience to ensure the level of formality is appropriate. In formal settings, alternatives such as "decline" or "refuse" may be more suitable. With its high frequency across news and media sources according to Ludwig's examples, mastering the use of "take a pass" will benefit any writer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pass on it

A more succinct and informal equivalent.

give it a miss

A British English idiom with the same meaning as "take a pass".

decline the offer

This is a more formal way of saying no to an offer.

decline to participate

A formal way of indicating non-involvement.

beg off

Politely declining an invitation or request.

opt out

This phrase implies choosing not to participate in something that one could otherwise be involved in.

refuse to accept

This highlights the act of turning something down.

abstain from

This suggests a deliberate choice to refrain from something, often with a moral or ethical dimension.

bow out

Suggests withdrawing from something, often a competition or commitment.

reject the idea

Implies a stronger negative reaction to a suggestion or proposal.

FAQs

What does "take a pass" mean?

The phrase "take a pass" means to decline an offer or opportunity. It implies a polite refusal or decision not to participate.

How can I use "take a pass" in a sentence?

You can use "take a pass" when you want to politely decline something. For example, "I think I'll "pass on it" this time" or "I'm going to "decline the offer".

What are some alternatives to "take a pass"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""decline the offer"", "opt out", or ""pass on it"", depending on the context.

Is "take a pass" formal or informal?

"Take a pass" is generally considered informal. In more formal settings, it's better to use phrases like "decline to participate" or "refuse to accept".