Cool MateEnact vs Pass
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Enact
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)C1verb
Pass
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Most formal: EnactMost common: Pass
| Enact | Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈnækt/","/ɪˈnækts/","/ɪˈnæktɪd/","/ɪˈnæktɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈnækt/","/ɪˈnækts/","/ɪˈnæktɪd/","/ɪˈnæktɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/pɑːs/","/ˈpɑːsɪz/","/pɑːst/","/ˈpɑːsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pæs/","/ˈpæsɪz/","/pæst/","/ˈpæsɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To make something happen officially, like a law. | To move past something or someone, or to allow something to happen. |
| Example | legislation enacted by parliament | I will pass the ball to you during the game. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | enact a law, enact legislation, enact policy, enact reforms, enact changes | quickly, rapidly, soon, help (to), quickly, rapidly, soon, help (to), unanimously, overwhelmingly, narrowly, by… to…, peacefully, come to, let something, between, pass unnoticed |
| Antonyms | repeal, dismantle | stop, hold, block |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'enact' with 'impact'; 'enact' means to put something into effect., Using 'enact' without an object, forgetting to specify what is being enacted., Mixing up the meaning of 'enact' with 'enforce', which means to ensure compliance. | Confusing 'pass' with 'past' in writing., Using 'pass' without an object when it requires one., Mixing up the different meanings of 'pass' in verbal contexts. |
| Usage notes | Often used in legal or governmental contexts. Avoid using in casual conversations; it's best for discussions about legislation or formal resolutions. | Commonly used in both casual and formal contexts. Can refer to physical movement or to allowing someone to take a turn (e.g., in games). Not typically used in very formal writing when describing decisions. |
Frequently asked questions: Enact vs Pass
What's the difference between Enact and Pass?
Enact: To make something happen officially, like a law. Pass: To move past something or someone, or to allow something to happen.
Which is more formal: Enact and Pass?
Enact is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Enact and Pass?
Pass is the most common in everyday English.
Are Enact and Pass the same CEFR level?
Enact: C1, Pass: A2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Enact and Pass interchangeably?
Not always. Enact and Pass are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.