pass on — decline an offer
phrasal verbB2IELTS 6+informalcommon
to decide not to accept something that is offered, such as food, an invitation, or an opportunity.
Say it like a native
Textbook I shall respectfully decline the dessert on this occasion.
Native I think I'll pass on dessert.
'Respectfully decline' is over-formal at a dinner table; 'pass on' is the relaxed 'no thanks'.
Pattern: pass on (sth)
In use
- Thanks for the cake, but I'll pass on dessert tonight.daily life
- Sometimes, I have to pass on social events because I need to focus on my studies, especially during exam periods.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I'll pass dessert.
✓ I'll pass on dessert.
In this sense it's 'pass ON' something (or just 'I'll pass').
Common collocations
pass on something— pass on, I'll pass, pass on the offer, think I'll pass
Don't confuse it
Different from 'pass up', which often means missing a good opportunity.
Related
- pass on (give or communicate) — Another meaning of 'pass on' is 'give or communicate'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.