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Prepositions with nouns

Prepositions used with pass

Different meanings of pass use different prepositions. Some combinations are fixed expressions, while others depend on context.

Quick answer

Which preposition should you use with pass?

Use pass in fixed expressions such as pass in an exam, pass on a message, travel by pass, or entry with a pass. Of pass is uncommon except inside larger noun phrases.

She got a pass in mathematics.
Visitors entered with a pass.
The note was sent by pass in older railway usage.
He scored on a long pass.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
pass in + subject or exam

Talking about exam results

In some varieties of English, especially South Asian English, pass in can refer to passing a subject or exam.

She earned a pass in chemistry.
He received a pass in English.
2
with a pass

Showing permission or access

Use with a pass when someone enters or travels using an official pass.

Employees may enter with a pass only.
Students travelled with free bus passes.
3
on a pass

Talking about sports movement

In sports, on a pass refers to movement or scoring after receiving a pass.

The striker scored on a perfect pass.
They advanced on a quick pass down the wing.
4
of pass

Using of in larger noun phrases

Of pass is rare alone but possible after another noun.

The validity of the pass expires tomorrow.
We checked the number of the pass carefully.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
of pass
The colour of the pass was changed.
Used in a larger phrase referring to the pass.
in pass
She received a pass in biology.
Exam-result use in some regional varieties of English.
on pass
The team scored on a short pass.
Sports context.
by pass
The parcel travelled by pass in historical railway use.
Rare and specialised expression.
with pass
Visitors entered with a pass.
Using a pass for permission or access.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Leaving out the article

Pass is usually countable in access contexts.

✕ You can enter with pass. ✓ You can enter with a pass.

Using of pass as a general pattern

Of pass usually needs a larger noun phrase.

✕ We spoke of pass yesterday. ✓ We spoke about the pass yesterday.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Employees may enter ___ a pass.
2. The striker scored ___ a long pass.
3. She received a pass ___ mathematics.

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Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

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Frequently asked questions

Is with pass correct?

Usually English uses with a pass or with your pass because pass is a countable noun.

What does pass in mean?

It can refer to a passing grade in a subject or exam in some regional varieties of English.

Is by pass common?

Not in modern general English. It appears mainly in specialised or historical transport usage.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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