pass on
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle on
Meanings
Give something to another person
Why “on”? An action, event, state, or path continues or moves to a later point.
“Pass the message on to her.”
“When you finish the book, pass it on to Sam.”
Politely refuse an offer
Why “on”? After considering the options, the mind makes one choice.
“I'll pass on dessert.”
“I was offered the job, but I passed on it.”
Die, used as a polite expression
“Her grandfather passed on last year.”
“After a long illness, their old dog passed on peacefully.”
Don't confuse with
Pass on means give something to another person. Pass off means pretend that something or someone is something else.
Pass on means politely refuse an offer. Pass up means decline or fail to take an opportunity.
Pass on means die, used as a polite expression. Pass away also means die politely.
Test yourself
“Pass the message on to her.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
pass away
A contrast learners often mix up
Die, used as a polite expression
pass off
A contrast learners often mix up
Pretend that something or someone is something else
pass up
A contrast learners often mix up
Decline or fail to take an opportunity
agree on
Same on pattern: decision
Reach a shared decision about something
bring on
Same on pattern: continuation
Cause something, especially an illness or feeling, to start; Help someone or something develop or improve
carry on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue doing something; Behave in a silly, loud or annoying way; Have a romantic affair, often secretly
catch on
Same on pattern: continuation
Become popular or fashionable; Begin to understand something
come on
Same on pattern: continuation
Used to encourage, hurry or challenge someone; Begin to develop, especially an illness or weather; Start working or be turned on; Make progress or improve; Show romantic or sexual interest in someone, often in a direct way; Be broadcast on television or radio
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