Phrasal verb
pass on
Definition
phrasal verb. to give something to someone else after you have received it or used it yourself. You can use this for physical things like books or for information like messages.
phrasal verb. to relay or transmit an object, information, or a condition to a subsequent recipient. It is a transitive phrasal verb that often implies a sequence or chain of possession.
Examples
“Please pass on this message to your sister.”
“After you finish reading the newspaper, could you pass it on to the person sitting behind you?”
“The company encourages senior employees to pass on their industry knowledge to new recruits through a formal mentoring program.”
Examples
simple
“Please pass on this message to your sister.”
contextual
“After you finish reading the newspaper, could you pass it on to the person sitting behind you?”
complex
“The company encourages senior employees to pass on their industry knowledge to new recruits through a formal mentoring program.”
Usage
The object can be placed either between 'pass' and 'on' or after the full phrase.
Teaching tip
Help students distinguish this from 'pass' (to move past) by explaining that 'pass on' implies a change of ownership or awareness.
Pitfall
He passed on me the book.
He passed the book on to me.
The recipient requires the preposition 'to' and cannot be placed directly after the particle 'on' like an indirect object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
optional
Pattern
pass + on + 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 C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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