Is ‘His birthday has been passed’ a Correct Sentence?

The phrase “His birthday has been passed” might cause some confusion due to its structure. While it could be understood by English speakers, it is not grammatically correct. Let’s explore why and the correct ways to express this idea.

Incorrect Usage: “His birthday has been passed”

When you say “His birthday has been passed,” it might sound as though you are referring to a physical action, such as passing a location. For example, in the sentence, "The bookstore has been passed and now we’re coming up on the grocery store," the verb “passed” is used correctly to indicate reaching a destination.

However, in the context of birthdays, the use of “has been passed” is not appropriate. Instead, native speakers would say something like “His birthday has gone” or “His birthday is over.” These phrases provide a clearer understanding of the passage of time.

Correct Usage: “His birthday has passed”

A more accurate and natural way to express the idea is to use “has passed.” For instance:

“His birthday has passed.” “His birthday has now passed.” “His birthday was earlier this month/week/year.”

These alternatives make the sentence clearer and more grammatically correct. They convey that the birthday has occurred and is not in the immediate future.

Common Phrases and Expressions

There are several other ways to express the concept of a birthday passing. Here are a few examples:

“His birthday has gone.” “His birthday is over.” “His birthday is past.” “It was his birthday earlier this year.” “His birthday is barely over.”

Using these expressions, you can effectively communicate that a birthday has already occurred.

Understanding Passed vs. Past

To further clarify, it is helpful to understand the difference between “passed” and “past.” While both words can be used in various contexts, their meanings are distinct:

Past: Indicates a completed action or a time that has already occurred. For example, “His birthday is past” indicates that the birthday has already happened.

Passed: Often used to indicate movement from one place to another, but can also be used in some idiomatic expressions. For example, “The bookstore has passed” suggests you have reached the bookstore, but in other contexts, it might be used to imply something has occurred or been completed, such as “His birthday has passed.”

Refer to the following resource for a more detailed explanation:

Quick English: Passed vs. Past – Kaplan Blog

Understanding these nuances can help you use the correct words in different situations, ensuring clear communication and avoiding misunderstanding.

Conclusion

While “His birthday has been passed” might be understood in some contexts, it is not grammatically correct. Using “His birthday has passed” or similar expressions provides more clarity and accuracy. Whether it is through everyday conversation or more formal writing, using the correct language can make all the difference in communication.