Pass sb sth on Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Pass sb sth on” Mean?

“Pass sb sth on” means to give or hand something to someone else, often transferring information, objects, or messages from one person to another.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “pass sb sth on” is commonly used in English when talking about giving something to another person. This could be a physical object, like a book or a message, or information such as advice or news. Understanding the pass sb sth on meaning helps learners use it naturally in conversations and writing. It is a practical phrase that appears in daily communication, especially when sharing items or passing along information. This guide will explain how to use “pass sb sth on,” provide examples, highlight common mistakes, and show how it compares to similar expressions.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: pass sb sth on (pass somebody something on)
• Type: transitive
• Level: B1 (Intermediate)
• Short meaning: to give something to someone else, especially information or objects

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Pass sb sth on” is a separable phrasal verb. This means the object can come between the verb and the particle or after the particle.

• Pass + somebody (sb) + something (sth) + on
• Example: I will pass you the message on. / I will pass the message on to you.

Note: When using pronouns, the pronoun must come between “pass” and “on”:

• Correct: Pass it on to her.
• Incorrect: Pass on it to her.

How to Use “Pass sb sth on”?

You can use “pass sb sth on” when you want to describe the action of giving something to another person. It is often used with information, messages, advice, or physical items. For example, if you receive a message and want to give it to someone else, you can say, “I will pass the message on to him.” It can also be used in formal and informal contexts.

When speaking, you can choose to place the object between “pass” and “on” or after “on,” but remember the rules for pronouns.

Examples

Here are some natural sentences using “pass sb sth on in a sentence”:

• Could you please pass the salt on to me?
• She promised to pass the information on to the rest of the team.
• I’ll pass your message on as soon as I see him.
• They passed the old books on to the library.
• Make sure to pass the instructions on clearly.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes learners mix up the word order or misuse pronouns with “pass sb sth on.” Here are some examples:

• Incorrect: Pass on the message to him.
• Correct: Pass the message on to him.
• Incorrect: Pass on it to her.
• Correct: Pass it on to her.

Remember, the particle “on” usually comes at the end, and pronouns go between “pass” and “on.”

Differences / Synonyms

“Pass sb sth on” is similar to “give,” “hand over,” and “send on.” However, it often implies a chain or sequence, especially with information or messages.

• Give: More general; simply means to transfer possession.
• Hand over: Often implies formally or carefully giving something.
• Send on: Usually refers to forwarding messages or emails.
• Pass on: Highlights continuing a chain or relay of information or items.

Example: “Please pass the message on” suggests the message should continue to be shared with others.

Common Collocations

Here are some common objects used with “pass sb sth on” and their meanings:

• Message: To give someone information or news.
• Information: To share facts or data.
• Advice: To give suggestions or recommendations.
• Instructions: To share directions or orders.
• Item/object: To physically hand something to someone.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of pass sb sth on:

• Pass Sb By
• Pass Sth Over
• Pass Sth On
• Pass Sth Down
• Pass Over Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “pass sb sth on”:

Anna: Did you get the email from the manager?

Ben: Yes, I did. Should I pass it on to the rest of the team?

Anna: Please do. They need to know the new schedule.

Practice

Try completing the sentences with the correct form of “pass sb sth on”:

• Can you ______ the book ______ to me after you finish?
• She promised to ______ the message ______ to her parents.
• Don’t forget to ______ the instructions ______ clearly.

Answers:

• pass / on
• pass / on
• pass / on

FAQs

• Q: Is “pass sb sth on” formal or informal?

  A: It can be used in both formal and informal situations.
• Q: Can I use “pass on” without an object?

  A: Usually, “pass on” needs an object, but it can be used alone when the object is understood.

• Q: What is the difference between “pass on” and “give”?

  A: “Pass on” often implies transferring something to another person in a chain, while “give” is more general.
• Q: Can I use pronouns with “pass sb sth on”?

  A: Yes, but pronouns must come between “pass” and “on” (e.g., pass it on).

• Q: Is “pass sb sth on” the same as “pass sth to sb”?

  A: They are similar, but “pass sb sth on” emphasizes continuation or forwarding.