when I pass on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when I pass on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the time of one's death or passing away in a more gentle or euphemistic manner. Example: "I have made arrangements for my estate to be handled when I pass on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I want to own them all and travel and take care of them and give them away when I pass on and let them become museums.

The New York Times

If I invested it in the stock of a company that earned, say, 8 percent a year on its capital, then 30 years from now, when I pass on, my children would inherit about $10,000.

The New York Times

"The best of her lives on in me and when I pass on, the best of us will live on in my little girl as she carries on the Legacy Simone".

Huffington Post

"When I pass on, if it's in good shape -- I hope it's not, [because] if it's not, then that means I used it a long time -- it'll go to somebody in need," he said.

Huffington Post

Because when I pass on from this life, I will be so proud of myself for doing what I came here to do, even if people anywhere or everywhere think that it sucks.

Huffington Post

He is delighted when I pass on the good news.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Very good, Sir," replied an ancient in tails when I passed on the news, and in a tone of such studied unflappability that one assumed he had assisted at countless unscheduled births since a crown prince of Bohemia was delivered at Table 14 in 1896.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Actually, he said (to me, when I passed on the question), "Good God, no.

The New Yorker

"Oh, great…" the commissioner of Lahore, Abdullah Khan Sumbal, said, smiling wryly, when I passed on the news.

The Guardian - Travel

But when I passed on the story-plot to him and asked him to compose the music, the three pieces of music I received were all rejected, because they didn't really match.

The Guardian - Tech

But, I knew when I passed on that upgrade that my flying career was over.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "when I pass on" to soften the impact of discussing death, especially when discussing estate planning or legacies.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid using "when I pass on" in very formal, legal documents; more direct phrases like "upon my death" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when I pass on" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating a future event (death) that serves as a condition or trigger for something else to occur, such as the distribution of assets or the fulfillment of a promise. Ludwig confirms its use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when I pass on" serves as a gentle way to refer to one's death. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "after I die" or "upon my death" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. When writing, remember that while acceptable in many situations, more direct language might be preferable in strictly legal or formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after I've passed away

A euphemistic and widely accepted alternative.

after I die

A more direct and common way of expressing the same idea.

when I am gone

Emphasizes the absence of the person.

once I'm no longer here

Focuses on the absence and future state.

upon my death

Focuses on the legal or formal timing of events.

at the time of my death

A formal and precise way to refer to one's passing.

after my demise

Uses a slightly more dramatic term for death.

upon my departure

A gentler way to phrase death, focusing on leaving.

when I meet my maker

Suggests a religious context for death.

when I breathe my last

A poetic phrase emphasizing the finality of death.

FAQs

What does the phrase "when I pass on" mean?

The phrase "when I pass on" is a euphemism for death, indicating the time someone dies or leaves this world.

What can I say instead of "when I pass on"?

You can use alternatives like "after I die", "upon my death", or "when I am gone" depending on the context.

Is "when I pass on" formal or informal?

The phrase "when I pass on" is generally considered a relatively gentle and neutral way to refer to death. While not overly formal, it avoids being too blunt or direct, making it suitable for various situations.

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

You can use "when I pass on" to discuss future arrangements. For example, "Upon my death, my assets will be distributed as follows."