Browse all

pass on

B1 neutral separable both
In simple words

To give something to someone else, to say 'no thank you' to an offer, or to die.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To give or send something to another person, continuing a chain of transmission.

"Can you pass on my apologies to the team? I won't be able to attend."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To decline an offer or opportunity, usually politely.

"Thanks for the invitation, but I think I'll pass on the party this weekend."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral

(euphemism) To die.

"He passed on quietly surrounded by his family."

Grammar: inseparable
4 B1 neutral

To transfer a disease, trait, or cost to another person.

"The virus can be passed on through close contact."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

One of the most versatile phrasal verbs. The sense of 'dying' is slightly less formal than 'pass away'. The sense of 'declining' is common in informal American English ('I'll pass on the dessert'). Context usually makes the intended sense clear.

Commonly used with

message information germs greetings offer dessert

Forms

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

Understand "pass on" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "pass on" on Looplines