What does the phrasal verb “pass round” mean?

What are the definitions of “pass round”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Distribute, give to people present.

  They PASSED ROUND copies of the handbook.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pass round”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pass round is to distribute or give something to people who are present. It is often used when sharing items, such as papers, food, or objects, among a group of people.

What are the different verb forms of “pass round”?

Root Verb	pass round
Third Person Singular Present	passes round
Present Participle	passing round
Simple Past	passed round
Past Participle	passed round

Example

Please pass round the handouts to everyone in the room.

Example

She passes round the snacks during the party.

Example

He is passing round the attendance sheet for everyone to sign.

Example

Yesterday, they passed round the flyers at the event.

Example

The collection plate was passed round during the service.

What kind of phrasal verb is “pass round”?

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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 round” 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 round the cookies to her friends.

Example

He passed the papers round to the students.

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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 round” 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 round the cookies to her friends.

Example

He passed the papers round to the students.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pass round”?

Pass the hat round

Collect money from a group of people, often for a specific purpose or cause.

Example

We passed the hat round to raise funds for the school trip.

Pass the parcel

A children's party game where a wrapped gift is passed around in a circle while music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the gift unwraps a layer.

Example

The kids enjoyed playing pass the parcel at the birthday party.

Pass the buck

To shift responsibility or blame onto someone else.

Example

He always tries to pass the buck when things go wrong.

Good things to know

Does “pass round” have an informal or formal tone?

Pass round is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as during meetings or presentations.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “pass round”?

Synonyms

• distribute
• share
• disseminate
• circulate
• spread
• hand out
• give out

Antonyms

• collect
• gather
• retrieve
• hold
• keep
• withhold