What are the definitions of “pass on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pass on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pass on is to give a message or information to someone else. It means to share or transmit information from one person to another. For example, it can be used when telling someone about a message you received or when sharing news with others.
What are the different verb forms of “pass on”?
| Root Verb | pass on |
| Third Person Singular Present | passes on |
| Present Participle | passing on |
| Simple Past | passed on |
| Past Participle | passed on |
Example
Please pass on the message to your colleagues.
Example
She always passes on important news to her friends.
Example
He is passing on the information to the team.
Example
Yesterday, they passed on the instructions to the new employees.
Example
The message has been passed on to everyone in the office.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pass on”?
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 on” 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
She passed on the message to her friend.
Example
He passed the news on to his family.
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 on” 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
She passed on the message to her friend.
Example
He passed the news on to his family.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pass on”?
Pass on an opportunity
To decline or refuse an opportunity or offer.
Example
He decided to pass on the job offer because it required relocation.
Good things to know
Does “pass on” have an informal or formal tone?
Pass on 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, such as in business or academic environments. The specific context and the meaning of the phrasal verb will determine its level of formality.
