What are the definitions of “pass off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pass off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pass off is to convince someone that something is real or genuine when it is not. For example, it can mean making someone believe that a fake item is authentic or that a lie is true.
What are the different verb forms of “pass off”?
| Root Verb | pass off |
| Third Person Singular Present | passes off |
| Present Participle | passing off |
| Simple Past | passed off |
| Past Participle | passed off |
Example
He tried to pass off the counterfeit money as real.
Example
She passes off her fake designer bags as genuine ones.
Example
He is passing off the replica painting as an original.
Example
They passed off the fake tickets at the concert.
Example
The scammer had passed off the counterfeit currency to several people.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pass off”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“pass off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
He passed off the fake money as real.
Example
She passed off the imitation jewelry as genuine.
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 off” 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
He passed off the fake money as real.
Example
She passed off the imitation jewelry as genuine.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pass off”?
To occur without any violence or conflict.
Example
The protest passed off peacefully, with no incidents reported.
Good things to know
Does “pass off” have an informal or formal tone?
Pass off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
