Differences between pass for and pass to

Pass for means to be accepted or considered as something, while pass to means to give something to someone else.

Meanings and Definitions: pass for vs pass to

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 to

1Give ownership or responsibility to someone.
The shares PASSED TO his daughter when he died.
2Become owner of or responsible for something.
The property will PASS TO her when they die.

Usage Examples: pass for, pass to 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 to

Example

The shares pass to his daughter when he dies.

Example

The responsibility passes to the new manager after the meeting.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pass for

be mistaken for

To be thought of as someone or something else due to a similarity in appearance or behavior.

Example

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

qualify as

To meet the requirements or standards for a particular role or position.

Example

His experience and education qualify him as a strong candidate for the job.

be regarded as

To be considered or thought of as something or someone with a particular quality or status.

Example

Her work ethic and dedication are regarded as exemplary by her colleagues.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pass to

hand over

To give something to someone else, usually after holding or carrying it.

Example

He handed over the keys to his car to his brother before leaving for vacation.

give away

To give something to someone else, often as a gift or donation.

Example

She decided to give away her old clothes to charity instead of throwing them away.

transfer ownership

To give or sell something to someone else, usually with legal documentation.

Example

The previous owner transferred ownership of the house to the new buyers after the sale was finalized.

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 “to”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: pass for or pass to?

In daily conversation, people use pass for more often than pass to. This is because pass for can be used in a variety of situations, such as passing for a certain age or passing for a specific type of person. Pass to is more specific and is mainly used when giving something to someone else. So, while both phrases are used, pass for is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Pass for and pass to 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 to

The tone of pass for and pass to can differ based on context. Pass for often carries a sense of acceptance or approval, while pass to typically has a practical and straightforward tone, especially when referring to giving something to someone else.

pass for & pass to: 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 to

Synonyms

Antonyms