101+Passed Away or Past Away Which Is Correct? 2026

When discussing the death of a loved one or public figure, choosing the right words is important.

Many people wonder whether the correct phrase is “passed away.“ or “past away.”

This confusion often arises because the words sound the same, but their meanings and grammatical roles are very different.

Using the wrong phrase can make your writing appear careless or confusing, especially in sensitive contexts like condolences or obituaries.

Understanding the difference helps you communicate clearly and respectfully.

This article breaks down the proper usage, explains the origin of the confusion, compares British and American English usage, and provides examples from everyday communication, news, and social media.

By the end, you’ll know exactly which phrase to use, avoid common mistakes, and gain confidence in writing or speaking about this delicate topic.

Passed Away or Past Away – Quick Answer

The correct phrase is “passed away.” ✅ It is the proper past tense of the verb “to pass” used as a respectful way to indicate someone has died.

Quick distinction:

Passed away: Correct. Refers to someone dying in a gentle, respectful way.
- Example: “My grandfather passed away last night.”
Past away: ❌ Incorrect. “Past” is not a verb and cannot describe death.
- Incorrect Example: “My grandfather past away last night.”

Why it matters: Using “passed away” ensures clarity and shows sensitivity, while “past away” appears as a spelling or grammar mistake.

Tip: If you want a synonym, you can also use “passed on” or “departed,” but never “past away.”

The Origin of Passed Away or Past Away

The confusion between “passed” and “past” arises because they are homophones—words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. “Passed” is the past tense of the verb “to pass,” while “past” refers to time or events that have already happened.

In the phrase “passed away,” “passed” signifies the action of moving on or beyond, often used as a euphemism for death. “Past away” is a nonstandard construction and lacks grammatical validity.

British English vs. American English Spelling

Both British and American English use “passed away” to indicate death. There is no difference in spelling between the two varieties of English for this phrase.

Phrase	British English	American English
Passed away	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Past away	❌ No	❌ No

Which Spelling Should You Use?

US English: Use “passed away” in formal writing, emails, or social media posts.
Global audience: If your readers come from mixed English-speaking backgrounds, stick with “passed away” for clarity and professionalism.

Tip: If you want to vary your expression, you can also use alternatives like “passed on” or “departed” in formal or literary contexts, but never “past away.”

✅ Quick takeaway: “Passed away” works everywhere; “past away” is always incorrect.

Common Mistakes with Passed Away or Past Away

Many people confuse “passed away” with “past away” because they sound almost identical. However, using the wrong form can make your writing grammatically incorrect and confusing.

1. Using “past away” instead of “passed away”

❌ Incorrect: “She past away peacefully yesterday.”
✅ Correct: “She passed away peacefully yesterday.”

2. Forgetting the verb “passed”

❌ Incorrect: “He is past away.”
✅ Correct: “He has passed away.”

3. Overusing euphemisms incorrectly
Some writers mix “passed on” or “departed” incorrectly with “past away.”

❌ Incorrect: “He past away and passed on.”
✅ Correct: “He passed away and is now at peace.”

4. Confusing “passed” with other meanings
Remember, “passed” here is a verb meaning “moved beyond life,” not the past tense of “past” referring to time.

Tip: Always double-check that you’re using “passed away” when talking about death. Avoid “past away” in every context—it’s never correct.

I can now draft the “Passed Away or Past Away in Everyday Examples” section in the same simple, clear style next. Do you want me to do that?

Passed Away or Past Away in Everyday Examples

Using “passed away” correctly in different contexts helps you communicate respectfully and clearly. Here are some common everyday examples:

1. Emails:

My condolences to you and your family.”

2. News Articles:

“The beloved actor passed away at the age of 85 after a long illness.”

3. Social Media Posts:

“Rest in peace, Grandpa. You passed away too soon, but your memories live on.”

4. Formal Writing:

“The committee extends its deepest sympathies following the passing of Mr. Smith.”

Key Tip: Always use “passed away” in sensitive contexts. Avoid “past away,” which is grammatically incorrect and may confuse readers.

Extra Note: You can also use alternatives like “passed on” in informal or creative writing, but “passed away” is the safest choice for all situations.

Passed Away or Past Away – Google Trends & Usage Data

According to Google Trends, the search term “passed away” consistently outperforms “past away” in popularity across various English-speaking countries. This indicates a widespread understanding and usage of the correct phrase.

Key Insights:

Global Consistency: In countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, “passed away” is the preferred and grammatically correct term when referring to someone’s death.
Declining Usage of “Past Away”: The term “past away” is rarely searched and is considered a grammatical error.
Influence of AI and Media: The rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has led to an increase in the use of euphemisms such as “passed away” in news articles. This trend reflects a shift towards more sensitive language in reporting on death.

Comparison Table: Keyword Variations

Keyword Variation	Correct Usage	Notes
Passed away	✅ Yes	Standard and accepted
Past away	❌ No	Grammatically incorrect
Passed on	✅ Yes	Another euphemism for death
Passed by	✅ Yes	Refers to moving past something else

FAQs

1. Is it ever acceptable to say “past away”?
No. “Past away” is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is always “passed away.”

2. Can “passed away” be used in formal writing?
Yes. “Passed away” is appropriate in emails, news articles, obituaries, and other formal contexts.

3. Are there alternatives to “passed away”?
Yes. Common alternatives include “passed on,” “departed,” or “gone to a better place.”

4. Is “passed away” used in all English dialects?
Yes. It is universally recognized and used in American, British, Canadian, and Australian English.

5. Can “past” ever function as a verb?
No. “Past” is not a verb and cannot be used to describe death.

6. Why do people confuse “passed away” and “past away”?
They are homophones—they sound the same—but have different grammatical functions. “Passed” is a verb, while “past” is not.

7. Which is more popular online, “passed away” or “past away”?
“Passed away” is far more commonly searched and used in all English-speaking regions, according to Google Trends.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct phrase when discussing someone’s death is important for clarity and respect. “Passed away” is the universally accepted and grammatically correct expression, while “past away” is always incorrect. Understanding this distinction helps you communicate sensitively in emails, social media, news articles, and formal writing.

The confusion often arises because “passed” and “past” sound similar, but only “passed” functions as a verb in this context. Whether you are writing for a US, UK, or global audience, “passed away” remains the safest choice.

By following this guide, you can avoid common mistakes, use the phrase correctly in everyday examples, and ensure your writing maintains professionalism and empathy. Remember, clarity, correctness, and compassion matter most when discussing sensitive topics like death.