pass on — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings

pass on

1give or communicate 2decline an offer 3transmit genetically

Meaning 1 · most common

give or communicate

pass sth on to sb

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 “give or communicate”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

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Next meaning: decline an offer

Meaning 2

decline an offer

pass on sth
informal

to decide not to accept something that is offered, such as food, an invitation, or an opportunity.

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Thanks for the cake, but I'll pass on dessert tonight.

A: Do you want to join us for dinner later?
B: Thanks, but I think I'll pass on this time. I'm really tired.

Common mistake

Not: I'll pass dessert.

Say: I'll pass on dessert.

In this sense it's 'pass ON' something (or just 'I'll pass').

More on “decline an offer”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Sometimes, I have to pass on social events because I need to focus on my studies, especially during exam periods.

Tell it apart

I'll pass on dessert.

decline it — no thanks

Pass me the dessert.

hand it to me — yes please

Goes with

pass on something

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Next meaning: transmit genetically

Meaning 3

transmit genetically

pass sth on to sb/sth

to transfer a characteristic, quality, or condition from one generation to the next, especially through genetic inheritance.

How oftenRare

LevelC2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Certain genetic disorders can be passed on from parents to their children.

A: Why do you have green eyes when your parents both have brown?
B: It must be a recessive gene that was passed on from my grandparents.

Common mistake

Not: She passed the gene on ~~for~~ her children.

Say: She passed the gene on to her children.

The recipient takes 'to' — 'pass sth on to sb'.

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

Another example

It is widely accepted that both physical and psychological traits can be passed on through generations, which has significant implications for studies in heredity and behaviour.

Tell it apart

She passed the trait on to her kids.

genetically inherited

She passed the recipe on to her kids.

taught/handed it down

Goes with

pass on a gene/trait

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give or communicate decline an offer transmit genetically