Phrasal verb
pass around
Definition
phrasal verb. to give something to one person in a group, who then gives it to the next person. You use this so everyone can see or use the same thing.
phrasal verb. to distribute an item or information sequentially among a group of people. The verb is transitive and typically takes a physical object as its direct object.
Examples
“Please pass around these cookies so everyone can have one.”
“The manager asked us to pass around the card so everyone could sign it for Sarah's birthday.”
“While the professor lectured on ancient pottery, he began to pass around a genuine Roman shard, cautioning the students to handle the artifact with extreme care.”
Examples
simple
“Please pass around these cookies so everyone can have one.”
contextual
“The manager asked us to pass around the card so everyone could sign it for Sarah's birthday.”
complex
“While the professor lectured on ancient pottery, he began to pass around a genuine Roman shard, cautioning the students to handle the artifact with extreme care.”
Usage
You can place the object either after 'around' or between 'pass' and 'around'.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'pass out', which means to distribute individual copies to everyone, whereas 'pass around' often involves sharing a single item.
Pitfall
Please pass around of the documents.
Please pass around the documents.
the verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'of'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
around
Separability
optional
Pattern
pass + around + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 2
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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