The phrase "passes in to" is spelled with a double "s" and NOT a double "s" and a "c", despite often hearing it pronounced as such. This is because "pass" and "in" are both one-syllable words, with an unvoiced "s" sound at the end. When combining them, the consonant sounds merge and the double "s" is retained. The phonetic transcription for "passes in to" is /ˈpæs.ɪz ɪn tuː/. Remembering the correct spelling can help prevent spelling errors and confusion.
The phrase "passes in to" is a compound verb usually used in a figurative sense. It is derived from the verb "pass," which means to move past or go beyond something or someone. The preposition "in" conveys the idea of entering or transitioning into a new state or condition. When combined with the word "to," it indicates the destination or end point that the subject passes into.
In a literal sense, "passes in to" can refer to physically moving from one place, state, or situation into another. For example, one might say, "As the hiker climbed the mountain, she passed into a dense fog." In this instance, the person transitions from clear visibility to a foggy environment.
However, it is more commonly used metaphorically or symbolically. In this figurative usage, "passes in to" signifies a transition or change from one concept, theme, or condition to another. For instance, it can describe moving from ignorance to knowledge, from confusion to clarity, or from one emotional state to another. An example sentence could be: "After years of studying and researching, the journalist finally passed in to a profound understanding of the political landscape."
Overall, the phrase "passes in to" connotes movement, transition, or transformation from one state or condition to another, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense.