we passed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we passed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people has moved past a certain point or completed a certain action. Example: "As we passed the old oak tree, I remembered the stories my grandfather used to tell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We passed.

The New York Times

"We passed this stage.

The New York Times

Then we passed out.

The New York Times

We passed Saddle Island.

The New Yorker

We passed it.

The New Yorker

We passed on them all.

The New York Times

We passed slowly and resumed.

The New York Times - Travel

As we passed the U.S.S.

The New Yorker

We passed a shuttered chalet.

The New York Times - Magazine

He waved when we passed.

The New Yorker

We passed the black table.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we passed" to describe movement, consider whether a more specific verb (e.g., "walked", "drove", "flew") would provide greater clarity and detail to your writing.

Common error

Avoid confusing "passed" (the past tense of "pass") with "past" (referring to time or a location). For example, it's incorrect to say "We drove past the store" when you mean "We drove past the store."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we passed" primarily functions as a verb phrase, specifically in the past tense. It indicates that a group ("we") has completed the action of passing, whether it involves physical movement past an object or successfully completing a test or challenge. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples of use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we passed" is a common and versatile verb phrase indicating a completed action, typically involving movement, completion, or approval. As validated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using "we passed", it's important to consider more specific verbs for clarity and avoid confusion with the word "past". Alternatives include "we went through", "we moved past", and "we got through", each offering a slightly different nuance. With a high expert rating and widespread use, "we passed" remains a reliable and effective phrase in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we went through

Emphasizes the action of moving from one point to another, similar to traversing a location or experience.

we moved past

Highlights the act of advancing beyond a specific point, either physically or metaphorically.

we got through

Implies successfully completing a task or overcoming an obstacle.

we overcame

Focuses on the successful resolution of a challenge or difficulty.

we proceeded

Indicates a continuation or advancement in a process or journey.

we approved

Refers to granting official permission or acceptance.

we ratified

Highlights the formal confirmation or validation of an agreement or decision.

we cleared

Suggests that a hurdle or obstacle has been successfully removed.

we sailed past

Conveys a sense of ease or swiftness in moving beyond something.

we left behind

Indicates the act of abandoning or surpassing something.

FAQs

How can I use "we passed" in a sentence?

The phrase "we passed" can be used to describe physically moving beyond something, such as "we passed the store". It can also mean successfully completing something, like "we passed the exam".

What are some alternatives to "we passed"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "we went through", "we moved past", or "we got through".

Is it correct to say "we past" instead of "we passed"?

No, "we past" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "we passed", using the past tense of the verb "pass".

What is the difference between "we passed" and "we've passed"?

"We passed" is in the simple past tense, referring to a completed action in the past. "We've passed" is in the present perfect tense, indicating that the action has relevance to the present. For example, "we passed the bill yesterday" (simple past) versus "we have passed the bill so it is now law" (present perfect).