pass on — transmit genetically
phrasal verbC2IELTS 8+neutralrare
to transfer a characteristic, quality, or condition from one generation to the next, especially through genetic inheritance.
Say it like a native
Textbook The condition is hereditarily transmitted to subsequent offspring.
Native The condition gets passed on to their kids.
'Hereditarily transmitted to offspring' is textbook; 'passed on' is how families actually talk about it.
Pattern: pass something on (to someone/something)
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ She passed on the gene to down her children.
✓ She passed the gene on to her children.
'Pass on to' + person; 'down' isn't needed (though 'pass down' is also fine).
Common collocations
pass on a gene/trait— pass on a gene, passed on to, passed down, hereditary
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.