Phrasal verbs "pass as" vs "pass for"

Differences between pass as and pass for

Pass as means to be accepted or mistaken for something else, while pass for means to pretend to be someone or something else.

Meanings and Definitions: pass as vs pass for

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Pass as

  • 1Be believed to be something.

    Although not qualified, he managed to PASS AS a doctor for years.

Pass for

  • 1Be accepted as something, usually when not.

    You'd be surprised at what PASSES FOR good cooking in many restaurants.

Usage Examples: pass as, pass for in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

pass as

Example

She can pass as a native speaker because her accent is perfect.

Example

He passes as a professional athlete, even though he's never played professionally.

pass for

Example

This painting could pass for an original, but it's actually a copy.

Example

He passes for a native speaker because of his excellent language skills.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pass as

To be mistaken for someone or something else.

Example

With his new haircut, he could easily be taken for a celebrity.

To give the impression of being something or having a certain quality.

Example

Her calm demeanor seemed like she had everything under control.

To have the appearance of being something or resembling someone or something else.

Example

The antique vase looked like it was from the Ming Dynasty.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pass for

To pretend to be someone or something else, often for deceptive purposes.

Example

The thief posed as a delivery man to gain access to the building.

To pretend to be someone else, often for entertainment or comedic purposes.

Example

He's great at impersonating famous actors and politicians.

To pretend to be someone or something else, often for deceptive purposes.

Example

The spy masqueraded as a journalist to gather information about the enemy's plans.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “as”

Phrasal Verbs with “for”

Differences in pass as vs pass for: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: pass as or pass for?

In daily conversation, people use pass as and pass for with similar frequency. However, pass as is more commonly used when talking about being mistaken for something else, while pass for is more commonly used when talking about pretending to be someone else.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pass as and pass for

Pass as and pass for are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of pass as and pass for

The tone of pass as and pass for can differ based on context. Pass as often carries a surprised or impressed tone when related to being mistaken for something else, while pass for typically has a deceitful or sneaky tone, especially when referring to pretending to be someone else.

pass as & pass for: Synonyms and Antonyms

Pass for

Synonyms

  • be mistaken for
  • be accepted as
  • be taken for
  • be regarded as
  • be considered as
  • be thought of as

Antonyms

  • be distinguished from
  • be differentiated from
  • stand out from
  • be recognized as
  • be identified as

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