What are the definitions of “pass for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be accepted as something, usually when not.
You'd be surprised at what PASSES FOR good cooking in many restaurants.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pass for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pass for is to be accepted or mistaken as something or someone else, even if it is not true or accurate. It is often used when something is not as good as it appears or when someone pretends to be someone else.
What are the different verb forms of “pass for”?
| Root Verb | pass for |
| Third Person Singular Present | passes for |
| Present Participle | passing for |
| Simple Past | passed for |
| Past Participle | passed 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.
Example
She is passing for a professional, even though she has no formal training.
Example
The fake diamond passed for a real one until it was closely examined.
Example
The counterfeit money passed for genuine currency until the bank discovered it.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pass for”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“pass for” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The cheap wine passed for an expensive one at the party.
Example
Her imitation jewelry passed for real gold at the event.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“pass for” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The cheap wine passed for an expensive one at the party.
Example
Her imitation jewelry passed for real gold at the event.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pass for”?
Good things to know
Does “pass for” have an informal or formal tone?
Pass for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or discussions.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “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
