If I leave a message to someone such like as "Can you please bala bala bala?"
After a while, I want to let him skip my question.
So I said "Please pass it" but is this correct?
Or I should use "Please ignore it" instead?
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2The terms skip and ignore would be better in that context.– LawrenceOct 26, 2021 at 9:43
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1Should I use "Please ignore it" instead? Yes.– GreybeardOct 26, 2021 at 9:45
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1I first heard 'pass' meaning 'I'm not going to attempt to answer that question' in the BBC TV quiz Mastermind, and the usage has spread to other quizzes. It can mean 'miss your turn in a game'. I don't think your correspondent would understand it in the sense you mean, though.– Kate BuntingOct 26, 2021 at 9:50
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'Pass' is often said by people being asked questions they cannot answer.– DanOct 26, 2021 at 11:56
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Thank all of you, I understand.– iwkttOct 27, 2021 at 3:24
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1 Answer
Pass is an extremely common verb with many uses both transitive and intransitive, including many phrasal or prepositional versions. Some transitive senses accept an indirect object as recipient.
- You can pass on the left not the right.
- You can pass someone the salt, and you pass the salt to somone.
- You can pass (or pass by) the salt (without taking any for yourself).
- You can pass the salt on (or onwards or along).
- You can pass (or take a pass) on the salt today if you don't care for any.
- You can pass on to the next step once you've completed the current one.
- An old dog can pass on (and go to to doggy-heaven).
Passing a question usually means answering it correctly, like passing an exam, but can sometimes mean other things. It doesn't usually mean bypassing the question. Passing on a question means not answering it. So does taking a pass on a question. Passing someone a question means giving it to them.
