Cool MateLet too many things go by vs Pass up
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Let too many things go by
Top 3,000 (common)
Pass up
Top 3,000 (common)
| Let too many things go by | Pass up | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //lɛt tuː ˈmɛni θɪŋz ɡoʊ baɪ//🇺🇸 //lɛt tuː ˈmɛni θɪŋz ɡoʊ baɪ// | 🇬🇧 //pɑːs ʌp//🇺🇸 //pæs ʌp// |
| Meaning | To overlook or ignore too many things. | To choose not to do or accept something. |
| Example | If we let too many things go by, we might miss our chance for success. | She decided to pass up the job offer because it didn't meet her salary expectations. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | let opportunities go by, let chances go by, let moments go by | pass up an opportunity, pass up a chance, pass up an offer |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'let too few things go by'., Using in overly formal writing., Misplacing the context of action versus inaction. | Confusing with 'pass on', which can imply giving something to someone else., Using 'pass up' without an object, which is grammatically incorrect., Misunderstanding as 'give up', which means to stop trying or to surrender. |
| Usage notes | This phrase is often used in casual conversation when discussing missed opportunities or being passive. It may not be suitable for very formal contexts. | Use 'pass up' in informal contexts when discussing options or opportunities. It's less appropriate in very formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Let too many things go by vs Pass up
What's the difference between Let too many things go by and Pass up?
Let too many things go by: To overlook or ignore too many things. Pass up: To choose not to do or accept something.
Can you show an example of each?
Let too many things go by: If we let too many things go by, we might miss our chance for success. Pass up: She decided to pass up the job offer because it didn't meet her salary expectations.
Can I use Let too many things go by and Pass up interchangeably?
Not always. Let too many things go by and Pass up 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.