Browse all

pass around

A2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To give something to everyone in a group, one person at a time.

Literal meaning: To move something around a circle or group of people.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To give an object to each person in a group in turn.

"The teacher passed around a handout for the students to read."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 informal

To spread information, a rumour, or a link among a group of people.

"Someone passed around a funny video and soon the whole office had seen it."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Very common in both British and American English. Used for physical objects (food, papers, a book) and sometimes for abstract things (a rumour, an idea). 'Pass round' is the preferred British variant.

Commonly used with

plate leaflet petition photo bottle document

Forms

Base
pass around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
passes around
he/she/it
Past simple
passed around
yesterday
Past participle
passed around
have + pp
-ing form
passing around
continuous

Understand "pass around" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "pass around" on Looplines