The verb pass has several meanings. If you pass the salt at dinner, you’re giving the salt to someone else. If you pass a test, you did well on the test. If three hours passed while you were shopping, you were shopping for three hours. There are even more meanings when you use pass as a phrasal verb. Here are definitions for some common pass phrasal verbs.
pass around – to offer something to everyone (usually the object is moved between people)
- The student brought cupcakes to pass around because it was his birthday.
- Pass the pasta bowl around so that everyone can take some.
pass away – a polite way to say that someone died
- They were sorry to hear that their former teacher had passed away.
- The actress passed away two weeks ago.
pass on – to skip or decline an offer or invitation
- I ate a big dinner so I’ll pass on dessert.
- She was so tired that she decided to pass on the party and stay home instead.
pass on – communicate/convey information or give something to someone else
- Thanks for your number, I’ll pass it on to my friend.
- Please pass my business card on to your manager.
pass out – to not be conscious or fully conscious (from exhaustion, alcohol, medical reason)
- After spending the day at the amusement park, the boys passed out on the couch.
- One of the hikers passed out from dehydration.
pass out – to distribute something to everyone
- The teacher is passing more homework out to the students.
- Pass these new pens out to everyone in the office.
pass over – to ignore or be ignored, to not notice
- He was passed over for the promotion.
- I almost passed over that dress, but then its sparkle caught my eye.
pass through – to travel through without stopping, or stopping only briefly
- We’ll pass through San Francisco when we drive to Los Angeles.
- If you pass through the store you might be tempted to buy something.
pass up – to skip an opportunity (usually unwisely)
- You shouldn’t pass up an opportunity to work at NASA.
- Who would pass up a chance to meet a Nobel Peace Prize winner?
- It would be a mistake to pass up having lunch with the CEO.