Cool MateDecline vs Pass up
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Decline
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Pass up
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Decline
| Decline | Pass up | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈklaɪn/","/dɪˈklaɪnz/","/dɪˈklaɪnd/","/dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈklaɪn/","/dɪˈklaɪnz/","/dɪˈklaɪnd/","/dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //pɑːs ʌp//🇺🇸 //pæs ʌp// |
| Meaning | to say no to something or to become less. | To choose not to do or accept something. |
| Example | She decided to decline the invitation to the party. | She decided to pass up the job offer because it didn't meet her salary expectations. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | considerably, dramatically, drastically, by, from, to, decline in importance, numbers, size, etc., politely, respectfully | pass up an opportunity, pass up a chance, pass up an offer |
| Antonyms | accept, agree, approve | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'refuse' - 'decline' can sound more polite., Using 'decline' without an object (e.g., 'I will decline' is incomplete without specifying what)., Mistaking 'decline' for a physical action rather than a polite refusal. | 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 | Use 'decline' in formal settings to refuse an offer or request. In informal contexts, 'turn down' is more common. Don't confuse 'decline' with 'decrease'—the former involves refusal, while the latter refers to reduction. | 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: Decline vs Pass up
What's the difference between Decline and Pass up?
Decline: to say no to something or to become less. Pass up: To choose not to do or accept something.
Which is more common: Decline and Pass up?
Decline is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Decline: She decided to decline the invitation to the party. Pass up: She decided to pass up the job offer because it didn't meet her salary expectations.
Can I use Decline and Pass up interchangeably?
Not always. Decline 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.