What are the definitions of “pass to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Give ownership or responsibility to someone.
The shares PASSED TO his daughter when he died.
- 2Become owner of or responsible for something.
The property will PASS TO her when they die.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pass to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pass to is to give ownership or responsibility of something to someone else. It often refers to transferring property, shares, or other assets from one person to another.
What are the different verb forms of “pass to”?
| Root Verb | pass to |
| Third Person Singular Present | passes to |
| Present Participle | passing to |
| Simple Past | passed to |
| Past Participle | passed to |
Example
The shares pass to his daughter when he dies.
Example
The responsibility passes to the new manager after the meeting.
Example
The ownership is passing to the new owner next week.
Example
The property passed to her when her parents died.
Example
The shares have passed to his daughter after his death.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pass to”?
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 to” 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 shares passed to his daughter when he died.
Example
The property will pass to her when they die.
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 to” 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 shares passed to his daughter when he died.
Example
The property will pass to her when they die.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pass to”?
Good things to know
Does “pass to” have an informal or formal tone?
Pass to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in legal, financial, and business settings when discussing the transfer of ownership or responsibility. However, it can also be used in everyday conversations when talking about passing on possessions or responsibilities.
