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Phrasal verbs "pass on" vs "pass up"

Differences between pass on and pass up

Pass on means to give something to someone else or to transmit information, while pass up means to miss an opportunity or decline an offer.

Meanings and Definitions: pass on vs pass up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Pass on

  • 1Give a message to someone.

    I'll PASS the message ON when she gets here.

  • 2Decline an invitation or opportunity.

    I think I'll PASS ON dinner tonight- I'm not hungry.

  • 3Die.

    Her husband PASSED ON last year.

Pass up

  • 1Decline a chance.

    She PASSED UP the opportunity to go to university because she'd been offered a job.

Usage Examples: pass on, pass up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

pass on

Example

Please pass on the message to your colleagues.

Example

She always passes on important news to her friends.

pass up

Example

I decided to pass up the job offer because it was too far from home.

Example

He passes up the chance to travel because he is afraid of flying.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pass on

give away

To give something to someone else without expecting anything in return.

Example

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

hand over

To give something to someone else, usually after being asked or requested to do so.

Example

He reluctantly handed over his phone to the security guard before entering the concert venue.

relay

To pass along information or a message from one person to another.

Example

Could you please relay this message to your boss? It's important that she knows about it.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pass up

miss out on

To fail to take advantage of an opportunity or experience.

Example

I regretted missing out on the chance to study abroad when I was in college.

let slip by

To allow an opportunity to pass without taking action or making a decision.

Example

He let the job opportunity slip by because he was too afraid to apply for it.

turn down

To decline an offer or invitation.

Example

She had to turn down the job offer because the salary was too low.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “pass”

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in pass on vs pass up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: pass on or pass up?

In daily conversation, people use pass up more often than pass on. This is because pass up is used to describe missed opportunities, which happen more frequently in everyday life. Pass on is not used as much, but it's still a common phrase that people use when they want to give something to someone else or pass along information.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pass on and pass up

Pass on and pass up 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 on and pass up

The tone of pass on and pass up can differ based on context. Pass on often carries a helpful or informative tone when related to giving something or transmitting information, while pass up typically has a regretful or disappointed tone, especially when referring to missed opportunities.

pass on & pass up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Pass up

Synonyms

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