Meaning trap
pass on
transmit genetically
to transfer a characteristic, quality, or condition from one generation to the next, especially through genetic inheritance.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to transfer a characteristic, quality, or condition from one generation to the next, especially through genetic inheritance.
'pass on' also has the more basic meaning 'give or communicate'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- Certain genetic disorders can be passed on from parents to their children.genetics
- It is widely accepted that both physical and psychological traits can be passed on through generations, which has significant implications for studies in heredity and behaviour.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: pass something on (to someone/something)
WrongShe passed the gene on for her children.
RightShe passed the gene on to her children.
The recipient takes 'to' — 'pass sth on to sb'.
Patternpass something on (to someone/something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Hereditarily transmitted to offspring' is textbook; 'passed on' is how families actually talk about it.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
pass on a gene/traitpass on a genepassed on topassed downhereditary
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B1 sense ('give or communicate'), this sense is used for the transmission of genetic or abstract qualities, not physical objects or news.
Related
- pass on (give or communicate) — 'pass on' also has the more basic meaning 'give or communicate'; this is the advanced sense.