to pass

USAGE SUMMARY

"to pass" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in the sense of physically passing something or someone or in the sense of passing a test, assessment, or other measure of success. Example: The racehorse quickly passed the other horses to win first place.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To pass.

The New Yorker

Cars slowed to pass.

The New Yorker

To pass muster.

The New Yorker

To pass over.

The New Yorker

To pass the butter.

The New Yorker

To pass the buck.

The New Yorker

I decided to pass.

The New York Times

It's going to pass.

The Economist

(It failed to pass).

The New York Times

To pass out.

The New Yorker

Both deserve to pass.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to pass", ensure the object and direction are clear. For example, instead of "the bill passed", specify "the bill passed the Senate".

Common error

Avoid using "to pass" vaguely. Instead of saying "time passed", consider using more descriptive phrases like "time elapsed quickly" or "the hours drifted by" to add depth and imagery to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to pass" is as an infinitive, often serving as part of a verb phrase. Ludwig's examples show its usage in various contexts, from describing physical movement to indicating the successful completion of an examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to pass" is a versatile and frequently used infinitive that serves diverse functions, ranging from describing physical movement and the passage of time to signifying success or transfer. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears across a broad spectrum of writing styles, from formal news reports and scientific articles to informal wiki entries. When using "to pass", consider the specific context to ensure clarity and precision. By choosing the most appropriate synonym or elaborating on the intended meaning, you can enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to proceed

Emphasizes the action of moving forward, either physically or in a process, differing in focus from the various meanings of "to pass".

to go through

Implies experiencing or enduring something, whereas "to pass" can also mean simply moving by.

to elapse

Specifically refers to the passage of time, unlike the broader applications of "to pass".

to transcend

Suggests exceeding or surpassing a limit, while "to pass" can mean simply going beyond.

to hand over

Focuses on the act of transferring possession, a specific type of passing.

to authorize

Emphasizes giving permission or approval, a regulatory aspect of "to pass" a bill or law.

to qualify

Relates to meeting requirements or standards, a meaning related to "passing" an exam.

to come to fruition

Implies the realization or completion of something, similar to "coming to pass", but with a sense of completion.

to dismiss

Focuses on rejecting or disregarding something, a contrasting sense to "passing" something as acceptable.

to circulate

Specifically refers to the movement or spread of something, such as a rumor or a document, a type of "passing" around.

FAQs

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

You can use "to pass" in many ways. For example, "The car slowed "to pass" the accident", or "She needs "to pass" her exams to graduate".

What does it mean when something "comes to pass"?

When something "comes "to pass"", it means it actually happens or occurs, often after some period of expectation or prediction. For example, "His prediction that it will rain came "to pass"".

What is a mountain "pass"?

A mountain "pass" is a route through a mountain range. It's a low point or gap that allows for easier travel across otherwise difficult terrain.

Is "to pass away" a euphemism?

"To pass away" is a common euphemism for "to die". It's considered a gentler or more polite way to refer to someone's death.