English Phrasal Verb: To Pass Out

To fall asleep or unconscious
To give something to a lot of people

To Pass Out

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Example Sentences using the English Phrasal Verb Pass Out

1. I’m so tired. If I don’t go to bed soon I’m going to pass out.
2. The teacher asked Emily to pass out the worksheets.
3. An onlooker dialed 911 after the man passed out.
4. Please don’t pass out my chocolates to everyone; I haven’t got many left.
5. He had such a busy day that he passed out while he was eating his dinner.

The English phrasal verb, to pass out, can be transitive or intransitive.

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English Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs can be extremely tricky for learners of English. The reason for this is twofold: there are lots of them and their meaning is not always obvious from the words that make them up. To make things even more difficult, phrasal verbs can have multiple meanings, adding to the headache for learners.

A phrasal verb is made up of a main verb with an attached preposition or adverb. An example of a phrasal verb is run into. Where run is the main verb and into is the preposition. Phrasal verbs can be separated into two groups, intransitive and transitive verbs. Intransitive phrasal verbs do not have a direct object: go out, for example, "I want to go out tonight". Transitive phrasal verbs have a direct object and they can be split up into two further categories: separable and inseparable. With separable transitive phrasal verbs, the verb and the preposition can be split up. For example, both “turn off the radio” and “turn the radio off” are both correct. Inseparable phrasal verbs cannot be split up. For example, “I’ll look after you” is correct, but “I’ll look you after” is not.

Using Storyboard That you can prepare a visual dictionary of phrasal verbs quickly and easily. Even better than that, have your students create their own phrasal verb visual definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions about English Phrasal Verb: To Pass Out

What does 'pass out' mean in science class?

Pass out in science refers to briefly losing consciousness, often due to reduced blood flow or oxygen to the brain. It is also called fainting or syncope.

What causes someone to pass out?

Common causes of passing out include dehydration, low blood sugar, standing up too quickly, emotional stress, or medical conditions affecting blood flow or oxygen.

How is passing out different from falling asleep?

Passing out is a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness, while falling asleep is a natural, controlled process where the body rests and recovers.

What should you do if someone passes out in the classroom?

If someone passes out, check for breathing, keep them lying down, elevate their legs, and seek help from a school nurse or call 911 if necessary.

Can passing out be a sign of a serious health problem?

Yes, while passing out is often harmless, it can sometimes signal a serious health issue like heart problems or seizures and should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if it happens repeatedly.