pass an exam

Meaning

This phrase means to achieve the required score or standard to succeed in a test or examination. It indicates a successful result, showing that the student did not fail. It is commonly used in school, university, and professional licensing contexts.

Examples

• I need to study tonight if I want to pass an exam tomorrow.

  I need to study tonight if I want to pass an exam tomorrow.

• She was so relieved to pass the final exam with an A.

  She was so relieved to pass the final exam with an A.

• Did you pass your driving exam on the first try?

  Did you pass your driving exam on the first try?

• He worked hard all semester just to pass the chemistry exam.

  He worked hard all semester just to pass the chemistry exam.

• To get the job, you must first pass a written exam.

  To get the job, you must first pass a written exam.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I hope I will win the exam.

  ✓ I hope I will pass the exam.

  Learners often translate literally from their native language using verbs like 'win' or 'approve'. In English, you 'pass' an exam.

• ✗ She passed in the exam yesterday.

  ✓ She passed the exam yesterday.

  The verb 'pass' is transitive in this context and does not require the preposition 'in' before the noun.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you want to ___ next week, you should start reviewing your notes now.

  💡 Succeed in the test.

  Show answer

  pass the exam

• He was very happy because he managed to ___ without studying much.

  💡 Get a successful score on the test.

  Show answer

  pass the exam