Quick Definition
Pass Away — To die (a polite or gentle way of expressing death).
Meanings of Pass Away
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Die (euphemism) | His grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep. | He died peacefully. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| His grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep. | He died peacefully. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll pass away it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
| She decided to pass away the whole situation. | Applying the phrasal verb in context. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll pass away it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: inseparable | Transitivity: intransitive
Intransitive and inseparable. Cannot take an object. Used as a euphemism in formal and informal contexts alike.
How to Use Pass Away
Neutral to formal. Used to speak about death respectfully. Common in obituaries, condolence messages, and everyday conversation.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | His grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Pass Away
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Pass Away
What does "Pass Away" mean?
"Pass Away" means: To die (a polite or gentle way of expressing death). It is a intransitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Pass Away" separable or inseparable?
"Pass Away" is inseparable. Intransitive and inseparable. Cannot take an object. Used as a euphemism in formal and informal contexts alike.
How do I use "Pass Away" in a sentence?
His grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep. -- in this example, 'Pass Away' means he died peacefully.
What is the register of "Pass Away"?
Neutral to formal. Used to speak about death respectfully. Common in obituaries, condolence messages, and everyday conversation.
What CEFR level is "Pass Away"?
"Pass Away" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral to formal contexts.
What is the difference between "Pass Away" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Pass Away" specifically means: To die (a polite or gentle way of expressing death). Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Pass Away" be used formally?
Neutral to formal. Used to speak about death respectfully. Common in obituaries, condolence messages, and everyday conversation. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Pass Away" take an object?
"Pass Away" is intransitive. Intransitive and inseparable. Cannot take an object. Used as a euphemism in formal and informal contexts alike.
How can I practise "Pass Away"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Pass Away' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Pass Away" used in British or American English?
"Pass Away" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral to formal. Used to speak about death respectfully. Common in obituaries, condolence messages, and everyday conversation.