Cool MateNo thanks vs Pass
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
No thanks
Top 2,000 (common)
Pass
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Most common: Pass
| No thanks | Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nəʊ θæŋks//🇺🇸 //noʊ θæŋks// | 🇬🇧 /["/pɑːs/","/ˈpɑːsɪz/","/pɑːst/","/ˈpɑːsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pæs/","/ˈpæsɪz/","/pæst/","/ˈpæsɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Used to politely refuse something. | To move past something or someone, or to allow something to happen. |
| Example | Would you like some dessert? No thanks. | I will pass the ball to you during the game. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | no thanks, say no thanks, give a no thanks, offer no thanks, respond with no thanks | quickly, rapidly, soon, help (to), quickly, rapidly, soon, help (to), unanimously, overwhelmingly, narrowly, by… to…, peacefully, come to, let something, between, pass unnoticed |
| Antonyms | - | stop, hold, block |
| Common mistakes | Saying 'no thank you' in very casual contexts, where 'no thanks' is preferred., Using 'no thanks' in very formal situations where a more elaborate response might be needed. | 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 | Use 'no thanks' when declining offers or suggestions politely. It's appropriate in most informal and some formal situations. | 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: No thanks vs Pass
What's the difference between No thanks and Pass?
No thanks: Used to politely refuse something. Pass: To move past something or someone, or to allow something to happen.
Which is more common: No thanks and Pass?
Pass is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
No thanks: Would you like some dessert? No thanks. Pass: I will pass the ball to you during the game.
Can I use No thanks and Pass interchangeably?
Not always. No thanks 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.