Grammar fix
pass up
not take an opportunity
to decide not to accept or use an opportunity when it is available.
phrasal verbB2common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
I couldn't pass up the chance to travel abroad for free.
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.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
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'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Decline such an advantageous opportunity' is stiff; 'pass up' is punchy and natural.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
pass up an opportunity
- pass up
- pass up the chance
- too good to pass up
- pass up an opportunity