Common Expressions with Passed – Meaning and Usage

by | Mar 1, 2025 | English Expressions

The word passed is commonly used in everyday English in different contexts and expressions. It becomes confusing because of its different meanings, which depend on the context in which it is used. 

In this article, you will learn the common expressions with passed, their meanings, and examples. 

Many expressions in the Engish language use the word “passed in different contexts. The meanings depend on the context in which it is used. It can refer to time, movement, success, or loss.

Here are some examples of every day use sentences:

  • The car passed by quickly.
  • She passed the exam.
  • Years have passed since we last met.
  • He passed away last year.

Common Expressions with Passed

Here are the common expressions with passed and their meanings.

1. Expression Related to Time and Events

These expressions refer to how time moves or how something has changed over time.

1. Time has passed

This expression is used to describe the passage of time.

Example:

  • Ten years have passed since we last met.

2. Passed its prime

When something is no longer as good as it used to be.

Example:

  • That old restaurant has passed its prime.

3. Passed down

To give something to future generations.

Example

  • This tradition was passed down from my grandparents.

4. Passed unnoticed

When something is not seen or acknowledged.

Example:

  • His hard word passed unnoticed by his boss.

5. Passed over

Ignore or not chosen for something.

Example:

  • She was passed over for the promotion again.

2. Expression Related to Movement and Transition

These phrases describe the act of moving or changing position.

1. Passed by

To move past something or someone

Example:

  • I passed by your house yesterday.

2. Passed through

To go through a place or experience

Example:

  • We passed through several small towns on our way home.

3. Expression Related to Success and Completion

These expression talk about achievements, approvals, or getting through challenges.

  • Passed the test/exam
  • Passed with flying colors
  • Passed the bar
  • Passed inspection 
  • Passed probation

Examples:

  • She passed the math test with flying colors.
  • He passed his interview.
  • After years of studying, she finally passed the bar.
  • The restaurant passed the health inspection last week.
  • He passed probation and is now a permanent employee.

4. Expression Related to Death and Loss

These expressions are commonly used when referring to someone’s death in a respectful way. Here are some examples:

  • Passed away
  • Passed on
  • Passed too soon
  • Passed into the afterlife
  • Passed to the other side

Examples:

  • His grandfather passed away last year. 
  • She passed on peacefully in her sleep.
  • He was only 30 when he passed too soon.
  • Many believe that loved ones pass into the afterlife.
  • Some people believe spirits pass to the other side.

Examples of Common Expression with Passed in Sentences

  • I passed by the bakery and saw your favorite cake in the window.
  • He passed down his family recipe to his children.
  • The opportunity passed unnoticed, and I regret not taking it.
  • She passed the test with flying colors and got the highest score.
  • His grandmother passed away peacefully last night.

Tips to Use the Passed Correctly

Here are some tips that can help you to remember the correct usage of passed in the sentence:

  • If you can replace the word with “twenty by” or “succeeded, use the word passed. 
  • Use passed when talking about movement, success, or completion. 
  • Use the word past when referring to time and location.

Examples

  • I drove passed the mall. (incorrect)
  • I drove past the mall. (correct)
  • He past away last year. (incorrect)
  • He passed away last year. (correct)

Conclusion

Learning the correct use of word passed in English expressions is essential for clear and natural communication. Whether you are talking about time, movement, success, or loss, knowing when and how to use passed will make your English sound more fluent and correct.

I hope this article helped you to learn common expressions with passed in the English language.

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