Pass vs Transmit

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Pass

Top 1,000 (very common) A2 verb

Transmit

Top 2,000 (common) B2 verb

Most common: Pass

	Pass	Transmit
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/pɑːs/","/ˈpɑːsɪz/","/pɑːst/","/ˈpɑːsɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/pæs/","/ˈpæsɪz/","/pæst/","/ˈpæsɪŋ/"]/	🇬🇧 //trænˈsmɪt// 🇺🇸 //trænˈsmɪt//
Meaning	To move past something or someone, or to allow something to happen.	To send something from one place to another.
Example	I will pass the ball to you during the game.	The satellite will transmit data back to Earth.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level	A2	B2
Part of speech	verb	verb
Collocations	quickly, rapidly, soon, help (to), quickly, rapidly, soon, help (to), unanimously, overwhelmingly, narrowly, by… to…, peacefully, come to, let something, between, pass unnoticed	transmit signals, transmit data, transmit information, transmit a message, transmit power
Antonyms	stop, hold, block	receive, detain
Common mistakes	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.	Confused with 'transmit' vs 'emit'., Using 'transmit' without an object., Mispronouncing the word.
Usage notes	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.	Commonly used in technical contexts, such as electronics, communication, and medicine. Avoid in casual conversation.

See it in real clips

The Lord Of The Rings › The return of the king

And then the pass of Cirith Ungol.

Band Of Brothers › S1 E1

Your weekend pass is cancelled.

The Lord Of The Rings › The Fellowship Of The Ring

We must take the Pass of Caradhras.

The Lord Of The Rings › The return of the king

And then the pass of Cirith Ungol.

Band Of Brothers › S1 E1

Your weekend pass is cancelled.

Pass

If he's equipped to transmit every form of energy that can pulse.

Transmit

Frequently asked questions: Pass vs Transmit

What's the difference between Pass and Transmit?

Pass: To move past something or someone, or to allow something to happen. Transmit: To send something from one place to another.

Which is more common: Pass and Transmit?

Pass is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: Pass and Transmit?

Transmit is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.

Are Pass and Transmit the same CEFR level?

Pass: A2, Transmit: B2 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Pass and Transmit?

Pass: verb, Transmit: verb.

Can you show an example of each?

Pass: I will pass the ball to you during the game. Transmit: The satellite will transmit data back to Earth.

Can I use Pass and Transmit interchangeably?

Not always. Pass and Transmit 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.