be passed on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be passed on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the transmission or transfer of information, knowledge, or items from one person or entity to another. Example: "The knowledge gained from this project will be passed on to future teams to ensure continuity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't mean that disrespectfully, I mean that because it has to be passed on somewhere.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Altered epigenetic modifications (i.e., epimutations) may also be passed on from one generation to the next.

Alcohol research : current reviews

Nothing can be passed on".

The New York Times - Books

Warranty disclaimers must also be passed on.

Harvard University

And that cost would be passed on to consumers.

Cornell University

Benefits, however, would also be passed on indefinitely.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The cost of this will be passed on to consumers.

The Economist

So who will the extra cost be passed on to?

Independent

Some of those costs could be passed on to consumers.

The New York Times - Tech

And those changes would be passed on to future generations.

MIT Technology Review

Furthermore, route information can be passed on through social learning10.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be passed on" when you want to emphasize the continuity or transfer of something, whether it's information, costs, or genetic traits. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being transferred and to whom.

Common error

Avoid using "be passed on" when the subject actively transfers something. Use active voice constructions like "pass on" instead. For instance, say "They will pass on the message" rather than "The message will be passed on by them", to avoid a passive and potentially awkward phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be passed on" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating that something is transferred or transmitted from one entity to another. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. The examples show its wide applicability in describing the transfer of costs, information, and even genetic traits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be passed on" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes the transfer or transmission of something from one entity to another. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While generally neutral in register, more formal synonyms might be appropriate for certain professional or academic settings. Understanding its function and context ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be transmitted

Focuses on the act of sending something from one place to another, often used for signals or diseases.

be transferred

Implies a movement of something from one place or person to another.

be conveyed

Highlights the act of communicating or making something known.

be handed down

Specifically refers to the passing of something from one generation to the next, often traditions or knowledge.

be bequeathed

Implies something is formally left to someone in a will.

be devolved

Suggests the delegation of power or responsibility.

be cascaded

Indicates something spreads rapidly and widely.

be disseminated

Focuses on the wide distribution of information.

be circulated

Emphasizes the movement of something among a group of people.

be propagated

Implies the spread or promotion of something, often an idea or belief.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be passed on" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "be transmitted", "be transferred", or "be conveyed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be passed on" in a sentence?

It is appropriate when you want to describe how something is transferred or inherited from one source to another. This can include information, costs, traits, or responsibilities, among other things.

What is the difference between "be passed on" and "pass down"?

"Be passed on" is a passive construction, emphasizing that something is received, while "pass down" is active, emphasizing the action of giving or transferring something, often from one generation to another.

Is "be passed on" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "be passed on" can sometimes be considered less formal. In academic writing, it may be preferable to use more precise and formal alternatives like "be transmitted" or "be transferred", depending on the context.