Many people pause when writing about death and ask the same question: passed away or past away — which one is correct?
This confusion is common because the two phrases sound very similar when spoken, especially in fast or emotional conversations.
When typing an email, posting on social media, or writing a formal message, people want to be respectful and accurate. That’s why this keyword is searched so often.
The problem is simple but important. One phrase is correct and widely accepted in English. The other is a spelling error that can change the meaning of a sentence.
Because the topic is sensitive, using the wrong form can feel awkward or unprofessional. Writers, students, bloggers, and even native speakers often double-check to avoid mistakes.
This article clears up the confusion once and for all. You’ll get a quick answer, an explanation of the origin, and a clear look at British vs American English.
You’ll also see real-life examples, common mistakes, and guidance on which spelling to use based on your audience.
By the end, you’ll know exactly when and how to use passed away with confidence.
Quick Answer
“Passed away” is correct. “Past away” is incorrect.
- Passed away is a polite and respectful phrase meaning someone has died.
Example: “Her grandfather passed away last night.” - Past away is not correct English and should not be used in this context.
Incorrect: “Her grandfather past away last night.”
The confusion happens because passed and past sound alike when spoken, but they have very different meanings in writing.
The Origin of Passed Away or Past Away
The phrase passed away comes from the verb pass, meaning to move from one state to another. Over time, English speakers began using it as a euphemism for death, making the topic sound gentler and more respectful.
- Pass → to go
- Passed → past tense of pass
- Passed away → a soft way to say “died”
The word past, however, is usually a noun, adjective, or preposition, not a verb. It refers to time that has already happened.
- The past is behind us.
- He walked past the door.
Because past is not a verb, “past away” has no grammatical meaning. The spelling difference exists due to pronunciation, not history or regional rules.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British and American English for this phrase.
Both use:
- ✅ passed away
Neither uses:
- ❌ past away
Comparison Table
| Version | British English | American English | Correct |
| Passed away | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Past away | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Your audience does not change the rule here.
- US audience: Use passed away
- UK audience: Use passed away
- Commonwealth countries: Use passed away
- Global or ESL audience: Use passed away
There is never a situation where past away is correct. If you want a respectful and professional tone, passed away is always the right choice.
Common Mistakes with Passed Away or Past Away
Here are the most frequent errors people make:
- ❌ Writing past away instead of passed away
✅ Correction: passed away - ❌ Using past as a verb
✅ Correction: Use passed - ❌ Mixing tense
Incorrect: “She has pass away.”
Correct: “She has passed away.” - ❌ Overusing the phrase in formal writing
Tip: In legal or medical writing, “died” may be clearer.
Passed Away or Past Away in Everyday Examples
Emails
- “I’m sorry to hear that your uncle passed away.”
News Articles
- “The actor passed away at the age of 82.”
Social Media
- “Rest in peace. She passed away too soon.”
Formal Writing
- “The patient passed away peacefully at home.”
In all cases, past away would be incorrect.
Passed Away or Past Away – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that “passed away” is widely used across English-speaking countries, especially in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. It appears often in:
- Obituaries
- News reports
- Condolence messages
- Formal announcements
The phrase “past away” appears mostly in searches due to spelling confusion, not real usage. Google Trends reflects this pattern: users search the incorrect form to check if it’s right, then learn the correct one.
Comparison Table: Passed Away vs Past Away
| Phrase | Meaning | Correct Usage | Notes |
| Passed away | Polite term for death | ✅ Yes | Standard English |
| Past away | No meaning | ❌ No | Spelling error |
FAQs:
1. Is “past away” ever correct?
No. It is always incorrect.
2. Why do people confuse passed and past?
They sound the same when spoken.
3. Is “passed away” formal or informal?
It is polite and semi-formal.
4. Can I use “died” instead of “passed away”?
Yes, especially in medical or legal writing.
5. Do British and American English differ here?
No. Both use “passed away.”
6. Is “passed on” the same as “passed away”?
Yes. Both are euphemisms for death.
7. Is it okay to use “passed away” in professional emails?
Yes, it is respectful and widely accepted.
Conclusion
The confusion between passed away or past away is common, but the rule is simple. Passed away is the only correct phrase when referring to someone’s death.
It is polite, respectful, and accepted in all forms of English. Past away, on the other hand, is a spelling mistake caused by similar pronunciation and should never be used.
Whether you are writing an email, a condolence message, a news article, or a formal document, choosing the correct wording matters.
Language around death requires care, clarity, and sensitivity. Using the right phrase helps you communicate respectfully and professionally.
There is no British vs American difference, no audience-based exception, and no special grammar rule to remember. If you mean that someone has died, passed away is always the right choice.
Remember this simple rule, and you’ll never have to second-guess it again.
Eric White is a dedicated grammar enthusiast and content writer at Grammiffy, where he simplifies the rules of English for learners of all levels. With a clear, reader-first approach, Eric focuses on grammar fundamentals, common mistakes, sentence structure, and everyday language usage.
