What are the definitions of “pass over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Ignore someone and give a job, reward, etc, to someone more junior.
They PASSED him OVER and made his assistant the new director.
- 2Ignore, refuse to discuss.
Let's PASS OVER what they said and get on.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pass over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pass over is to ignore someone or something and give a job, reward, or opportunity to someone else, usually someone more junior. It can also mean to ignore or refuse to discuss a topic.
What are the different verb forms of “pass over”?
| Root Verb | pass over |
| Third Person Singular Present | passes over |
| Present Participle | passing over |
| Simple Past | passed over |
| Past Participle | passed over |
Example
The company decided to pass over the senior employee for the promotion.
Example
She often passes over her older students and gives opportunities to the younger ones.
Example
He is passing over the experienced workers and hiring new graduates.
Example
They passed over the long-time employee and promoted a newer staff member.
Example
The talented artist was passed over for the prestigious award.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pass over”?
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 over” 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
The manager passed over the experienced candidate.
Example
She passed the topic over during the meeting.
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 over” 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 manager passed over the experienced candidate.
Example
She passed the topic over during the meeting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pass over”?
Good things to know
Does “pass over” have an informal or formal tone?
Pass over 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 settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
