Differences between pass for and pass off

Pass for means to be accepted or mistaken as something else, while pass off means to deceive or trick someone into believing something false.

Meanings and Definitions: pass for vs pass off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Pass for

1Be accepted as something, usually when not.
You'd be surprised at what PASSES FOR good cooking in many restaurants.

Pass off

1Convince something that something is real.
I managed to PASS OFF the fake money in the market.
2Happen in a certain way.
The demonstration PASSED OFF peacefully.

Usage Examples: pass for, pass off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

pass off

Example

He tried to pass off the counterfeit money as real.

Example

She passes off her fake designer bags as genuine ones.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pass for

be mistaken for

To be incorrectly identified or thought to be someone or something else.

Example

With her blonde hair and blue eyes, she often gets mistaken for a Swedish model.

be taken for

To be perceived or believed to be someone or something else.

Example

His calm demeanor and professional attire made him be taken for the CEO of the company.

be regarded as

To be considered or viewed as someone or something else.

Example

Her extensive knowledge and experience in the field made her be regarded as an expert by her colleagues.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pass off

foist off

To impose or force something unwanted or inferior onto someone else.

Example

He tried to foist off his old car on his younger brother, but he refused to take it.

palm off

To deceive or trick someone into accepting something false or inferior.

Example

The salesman tried to palm off a fake Rolex watch as a genuine one, but the customer noticed the difference.

hoodwink

To deceive or trick someone into believing something false or untrue.

Example

The con artist managed to hoodwink the elderly couple into giving him their life savings.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “pass”

Phrasal Verbs with “for”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: pass for or pass off?

In daily conversation, people use pass for more often than pass off. This is because pass for is used in a variety of situations where someone or something is mistaken for something else. Pass off is less common and usually used when someone is trying to deceive or trick someone else.

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

Pass for and pass off are 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 for and pass off

The tone of pass for and pass off can differ based on context. Pass for often carries a neutral or positive tone when referring to being accepted or mistaken as something else, while pass off typically has a negative or deceitful tone, especially when referring to tricking someone.

pass for & pass off: 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

Pass off

Synonyms

Antonyms