to pass on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to pass on" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually means to give something to or share something with someone else. For example: "I'd like to pass on my knowledge about writing to my students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I'll have to pass on that one!

Huffington Post

"I'm going to pass on that".

The New Yorker

But what to pass on?

The Guardian

It's something I would have been willing to pass on".

The New York Times - Sports

To be able to pass on a little something.

Independent

"Hauliers would have had to pass on the additional costs.

BBC

I decided to pass on that opportunity.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

That's the cooking tradition parents really want to pass on.

The New York Times

Dundee chose to pass on the credit to Leonard.

BBC

"I want to pass on all my knowledge," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

We pledge to pass on whatever useful information we gather.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to pass on" when you want to convey the idea of transferring something, whether it's knowledge, a tradition, or even a disease. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "pass on" interchangeably with verbs that have different nuances. For example, "transmit" implies a more formal or technical transfer, while "share" suggests dividing something among multiple recipients. Choosing the wrong verb can alter the intended meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to pass on" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "pass" with the preposition "on" to create a new meaning, which can vary depending on the context. Ludwig provides examples illustrating different usages.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

21%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to pass on" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, encompassing the transfer of knowledge, declining offers, and conveying messages. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's considered grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, from news articles to business communications. While generally neutral in register, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and choose the most appropriate alternative if needed. By understanding its varied uses and potential substitutes, you can effectively incorporate "to pass on" into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to hand down

Focuses on the idea of inheritance or tradition, implying a transfer from one generation to the next.

to impart

Emphasizes the act of bestowing knowledge, skills, or wisdom.

to convey

Highlights the transmission of information or a message.

to transmit

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

to communicate

Focuses on the general sharing of information, ideas, or feelings.

to give

A more general term for transferring something, lacking the specific nuance of inheritance or instruction.

to share

Emphasizes the act of distributing or dividing something among multiple recipients.

to relinquish

Implies giving up something, often a responsibility or position, to someone else.

to defer

Indicates postponing something or passing a decision to someone else.

to skip

Suggests choosing not to participate in something or declining an offer.

FAQs

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

You can use "to pass on" to indicate transferring knowledge, declining an offer, or conveying a message. For example, "I want to pass on my skills to the next generation", "I'll have "to pass on" that opportunity", or "He asked me "to pass on" his regards".

What does "to pass on" mean?

"To pass on" has several meanings, including transferring something (like knowledge or a tradition), declining an offer, or conveying a message. The specific meaning depends on the context.

What are some alternatives to "to pass on" when conveying information?

When conveying information, you can use alternatives like "to convey", "to communicate", or "to transmit" depending on the formality and context.

Is it correct to use "to pass on" in a formal context?

Yes, "to pass on" can be used in formal contexts, especially when referring to the transfer of knowledge, skills, or responsibilities. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "to impart" or "to convey" in particularly formal settings.