Past Away or Passed Away? The Correct Way to Say It
Have you ever seen someone write “past away” and wondered if that’s correct? Or maybe you hesitated before sending a sympathy message, unsure whether it should be “past away” or “passed away.” You’re not alone. Many people confuse these two spellings because they sound exactly the same. However, only one is correct in English grammar.
This confusion happens because “past” and “passed” both deal with time and movement. Yet, when talking about someone’s death, only one form works. People often search for “past away or passed away” to avoid embarrassing mistakes, especially in emotional or formal contexts.
In this guide, you’ll quickly learn which spelling is right, why the confusion exists, and how to use the correct form. We’ll also explore how it’s written in British and American English, show real-life examples, and answer common grammar questions — so you’ll never mix them up again.
Past Away or Passed Away? – Quick Answer
✅ Correct: Pass away
❌ Incorrect: Past away
Explanation:
“Pass away” means someone has died.
Example: Her grandfather pass away last night.
“Past away” is wrong, because “past” is not a verb.
👉 Quick Tip:
If you can replace it with “died,” use pass away.
The Origin of “Passed Away”
The phrase “pass away” comes from old religious and poetic expressions meaning “to move from life to death” or “to depart.” It dates back to the 14th century in English writings. Over time, people started using “pass away” as a gentle or polite way to say someone died — a form of euphemism.
“Past” and “pass” share the same root word, but they evolved differently. “Pass” is the verb form of “pass,” while “past” is a noun, adjective, or preposition. This small spelling difference changes the grammar completely.
British English vs American English Spelling
Both British English and American English use the same correct form — “pass away.” However, small differences in tone and formality exist between the two dialects.
| Usage Context | British English | American English | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal Writing | Passed away | Passed away | Identical usage |
| Obituaries | Passed away peacefully | Passed away at home | Style differs slightly |
| Informal Speech | Died / Gone | Passed away | Americans prefer the softer form |
In both versions, “past away” remains incorrect.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Always use “pass away.” It’s grammatically correct and respectful.
- ✅ Use “pass away” in sympathy cards, obituaries, or sensitive messages.
- ❌ Avoid “past away” — it’s considered a spelling error.
- In everyday talk, “died” is simpler, but “pass away” sounds gentler and more polite.
👉 Rule:
If you’re unsure, remember — we pass exams, pass cars, and pass away. We never past anything.
Common Mistakes with “Past Away” vs “Passed Away”
- Writing “past” instead of “pass”
- ❌ Her uncle past away last week.
- ✅ Her uncle passed away last week.
- Mixing tense forms incorrectly
- ❌ He has past away yesterday.
- ✅ He passed away yesterday.
- Using “past” as a verb
- Remember: “past” can’t act as a verb. Only “passed” does that.
- Using slang or harsh alternatives
- Avoid “kicked the bucket” or “gone,” which can sound insensitive.
“Passed Away” in Everyday Examples
Here’s how native speakers use “passed away” naturally:
- Emails: “I’m sorry to hear your teacher passed away.”
- News Reports: “The famous actor passed away at the age of 85.”
- Social Media: “Rest in peace, Grandma. You passed away too soon.”
- Formal Writing: “Our founder passed away after a lifetime of service.”
“Passed Away” – Google Trends & Usage Data
Google Trends shows that “passed away” is searched much more than “past away” worldwide. In fact, “past away” appears mainly as a spelling mistake.
| Country | Correct Form | Incorrect Form | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Passed away | Past away | 95% vs 5% |
| UK | Passed away | Past away | 97% vs 3% |
| Canada | Passed away | Past away | 93% vs 7% |
| India | Passed away | Past away | 90% vs 10% |
| Australia | Passed away | Past away | 94% vs 6% |
People everywhere recognize “passed away” as the only correct and respectful form.
FAQs
1. Which is correct: past away or pass away?
“Pass away” is correct. “Past away” is a spelling mistake.
2. Why do people write “past away”?
Because both words sound the same, many people confuse the spellings.
3. Can I say “past” as a verb?
No. “Past” is not a verb. “Passed” is the verb form.
4. Is “passed away” formal or informal?
It’s formal and polite, used in sensitive situations.
5. What’s another word for “passed away”?
You can say “died,” “departed,” or “gone to rest,” depending on tone.
6. Do Americans and Brits both use “passed away”?
Yes, both use the same correct form.
7. Can I say “pass on” instead?
Yes. “Pass on” is also correct and has a similar gentle meaning.
Conclusion
The confusion between “past away” and “pass away” is common because the two words sound identical. However, only “pass away” is grammatically correct. The word “pass” is a verb, while “past” is not. Therefore, when you want to express that someone has died, the right phrase is “pass away.”
Across both British and American English, “passed away” is preferred for formal and sensitive contexts. It’s polite, respectful, and widely accepted. Always double-check your spelling — especially when writing condolences or formal messages.
So remember: people pass away, they never past away. Getting this small detail right shows care, respect, and good grammar.
