we passed on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we passed on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone chose not to accept or participate in something, such as an offer or opportunity. Example: "After careful consideration, we passed on the investment opportunity because it did not align with our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Sports

Travel

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Everything we passed on, nothing seemed to go further in any way shape or form".

BBC

But just because we passed on one opportunity doesn't mean we should pass on another, especially when it's as good as this one.

Harvard University

We passed on a two-bedroom place with a view of Palatine Hill for a one-bedroom studio in Trastevere.

The New York Times

We passed on them all.

The New York Times

The ice cream was ordinary; we passed on the pineapple.

The New York Times

(We passed on the offers to purchase photographs or video).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

What if anything can we, should we, pass on?

BBC

One such player is the same one we pass on the way to lunch.

Vice

The film is a potent allegory: What do we pass on when we have no one to pass it on to?

Vice

We pass on through the meadow.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We pass on that advice to our clients," says George.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we passed on", ensure the context clearly indicates what was declined or rejected to avoid ambiguity. For example, "We passed on the dessert menu" is clearer than just "We passed on it."

Common error

Avoid using "we passed on" when you simply mean "we passed by" or "we walked past". The former implies a deliberate rejection, while the latter refers to physical movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we passed on" functions as a phrasal verb indicating a decision to decline or reject something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and frequently used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

10%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Sports

6%

Travel

6%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we passed on" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to indicate a deliberate decision to decline or reject something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, from News & Media to academia and lifestyle. While broadly applicable, clarity is key: always ensure the context makes clear what was being rejected. Alternatives such as "we declined" or "we opted out of" can provide nuanced shades of meaning, depending on the situation. When using the phrase remember that is different from “passed by”. Overall, "we passed on" is a versatile and reliable choice for conveying a decision not to accept something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we declined

Directly indicates a formal refusal or rejection.

we turned down

Indicates a refusal, especially of an offer or proposal.

we rejected

Implies a firm refusal, possibly after consideration.

we opted out of

Suggests a conscious choice not to participate.

we skipped

Indicates that something was deliberately missed or avoided.

we avoided

Highlights the act of keeping away from something.

we didn't choose

Highlights the act of not selecting something from available options.

we sidestepped

Suggests cleverly avoiding something.

we refrained from

Emphasizes self-control in avoiding something.

we forwent

Suggests a deliberate sacrifice or relinquishment.

FAQs

What does "we passed on" mean?

The phrase "we passed on" means that a group decided to decline or reject an opportunity, offer, or item. It implies a conscious decision not to proceed with something.

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

You can use "we passed on" to indicate that a decision was made not to accept something. For example, "We passed on the investment opportunity because it was too risky."

What are some alternatives to "we passed on"?

Alternatives to "we passed on" include phrases like "we declined", "we rejected", or "we opted out of", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we passed on it"?

Yes, it is correct to say "we passed on it", provided that "it" clearly refers to something previously mentioned in the conversation or text. For instance, "They offered us the upgrade, but "we passed on" it."