Same verb · different particle

“pass” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 5 one at a time, then test yourself.

5 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

pass

away by on out up

pass + away · 1 of 5

pass away

die

to die, used as a more gentle or polite way to talk about someone’s death.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Her grandfather passed away peacefully last night.

A: I heard about your uncle. I'm so sorry.
B: Thank you. He passed away last week.

Common mistake

Not: He passed away ~~from this world~~ peacefully.

Say: He passed away peacefully.

'Pass away' already means die — don't add 'from this world'.

More on “pass away”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my country, when someone passes away, families usually gather to remember them together.

Tell it apart

He passed away last year.

gentle, respectful

He died last year.

direct, factual

Goes with

pass away

Practice saying this

Next: pass by

pass + by · 2 of 5

pass by

to go past someone or something

pass by sb/sth

To move near and go past a person, place, or thing, usually while continuing in the same direction.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I saw her pass by my house on her way to work this morning.

A: Did you see Tom today?
B: Yeah, he passed by the café but didn’t come in.

Common mistake

Not: I passed by ~~from~~ the shop on my way.

Say: I passed by the shop on my way.

'Pass by' takes the place directly — no 'from'.

More on “pass by”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During my commute, I pass by several interesting buildings every day.

Tell it apart

I passed by the bakery.

went past it

I passed out at the bakery.

fainted there

Goes with

pass by

Practice saying this

Next: pass on

pass + on · 3 of 5

pass on

give or communicate

pass sth on to sb
also: pass on to

to give something to someone else, or to share information with another person.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Could you pass on this message to your brother when you see him?

A: I heard some good news about our project.
B: Really? Can you pass it on to the rest of the team?

Common mistake

Not: Can you pass on ~~her the message?~~

Say: Can you pass the message on to her?

The person takes 'to' — 'pass it on TO her'.

More on “pass on”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important to pass on traditional values to the next generation so that they understand their culture.

Tell it apart

Can you pass on my thanks?

relay/communicate it

Can you pass me the salt?

physically hand it over

Goes with

pass on a message

Practice saying this

Next: pass out

pass + out · 4 of 5

pass out

to become unconscious

to suddenly become unconscious for a short time, often because of heat, pain, or shock.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

It was so hot in the room that I thought I was going to pass out.

A: Are you okay? You look pale.
B: I just stood up too quickly and almost passed out.

Common mistake

Not: He passed out of the heat.

Say: He passed out in the heat.

'Pass out' = faint — don't add 'of'.

More on “pass out”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During my first blood test, I was so nervous that I nearly passed out in the clinic.

Tell it apart

He passed out.

fainted, became unconscious

He passed away.

died

Goes with

pass out

Practice saying this

Next: pass up

pass + up · 5 of 5

pass up

not take an opportunity

pass up sth

to decide not to accept or use an opportunity when it is available.

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I couldn't pass up the chance to travel abroad for free.

A: They're offering free tickets to the concert. Are you going?
B: Of course! I wouldn't pass up an offer like that.

Common mistake

Not: I passed up on the chance.

Say: I passed up the chance.

'Pass up' something (no 'on'); compare 'pass ON', which does take 'on'.

More on “pass up”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I were offered a job in another country, I don't think I would pass up the opportunity, because it would be a great experience.

Tell it apart

I passed up the job.

turned down the opportunity

I passed the exam.

did it and succeeded

Goes with

pass up an opportunity

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which “pass” fits?

Fill the gap

Which “pass” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

pass away pass by pass on pass out pass up