Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb: Pass Away

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'pass away' means to die, often used as a more gentle or euphemistic expression for death.

Examples in context

Alan's father passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones last night.
It is always difficult when someone in the community passes away.
As the years slipped by, many of our favorite authors have passed away, leaving a legacy of words.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'pass away' means to die, often used as a more gentle or euphemistic expression for death.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

'Pass away' cannot be split by an object.

Neutral

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

'Pass away' does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	pass away	Many hope to pass away peacefully in their sleep.
Past Simple	passed away	He passed away last spring after a long battle with illness.
Present Continuous	passing away	The flowers are a reminder of friends who are passing away.
Present Perfect	have passed away	All her grandparents have passed away, leaving her feeling nostalgic.

💡 When to Use

Discussing sensitive topics

Use 'pass away' when discussing death gently or sensitively. It softens the harshness and respects feelings.

Example: "Unfortunately, my grandmother passed away last night."

Writing obituaries

In obituaries, 'pass away' is preferred for its gentle tone, conveying respect for the deceased.

Example: "John Doe passed away on Monday, leaving behind a loving family."

Consoling someone grieving

Use 'pass away' to express condolences, acknowledging the loss without sounding too direct or harsh.

Example: "I'm sorry to hear your uncle passed away."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using object incorrectly

❌ Wrong: He passed his dog away.

✅ Correct: His dog passed away.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'pass away' does not take a direct object.

Wrong verb form

❌ Wrong: She pass away yesterday.

✅ Correct: She passed away yesterday.

💡 Tip: Use the past tense 'passed' for completed actions.

Confusing with similar phrasal verbs

❌ Wrong: He has passed through away.

✅ Correct: He has passed away.

💡 Tip: Focus on 'pass away' for death, not other prepositions.

Practice

PASS AWAY - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Alan's father passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones last night.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

It is always difficult when someone in the community passes away.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

As the years slipped by, many of our favorite authors have passed away, leaving a legacy of words.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

decease expire

Antonyms

survive

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Many hoped he would recover, but he ultimately ___ away."

passed up

pass away

passed over

passed past

"Life is but a fleeting moment, and all must one day pass away, leaving echoes of memories in the annals of time."

In Context

John Adams, the second President of the United States, lived during times of great change. Born on October 30, 1735, in Braintree, Massachusetts, he was a driving force behind the American Revolution and played a key role in drafting the Declaration of Independence. Despite his successes, Adams led a complicated presidency, often criticized for his decisions such as the Alien and Sedition Acts. As the years passed, Adams witnessed the expansion of a nation he helped to found. He was both a devoted statesman and a family man, cherishing his home, Peacefield, in Quincy, Massachusetts. Although political tensions strained his relationship with Thomas Jefferson, the two reconciled their friendship through long, thoughtful letters. Both respected and revered, Adams remained a significant figure until he passed away on July 4, 1826, an eerily symbolic date, the same day as Jefferson, marking the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. His passing reminded the nation of the impermanence of life and the lasting legacies of its founders. Adams' influence continued to shape the evolving democratic ideals of the United States long after he had passed away, ensuring his place in history.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pass Away

What is the origin of pass away?

'Pass away' originates from the 14th century, adopting a gentler expression for the act of dying, emphasizing the transition from life rather than finality.

Can pass away be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'pass away' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, offering a respectful way to discuss death across varied social settings.

What is the difference between pass away and decease?

'Pass away' is a gentler euphemism, while 'decease' is more formal and clinical, though both indicate the act of dying.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

PASS AWAY - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pass Away

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega