could be handed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be handed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for something to be given or delivered to someone. Example: "The documents could be handed to the committee for review at the next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another £400m could be handed over by 2027.

The Guardian - Business

Millions of pounds could be handed out this way.

The Guardian

In one direction, a terrible legacy could be handed to our grandchildren and their children.

The Washington Post

Some experts believe it could be handed a bigger penalty than the £290m paid by Barclays.

The Guardian - Business

He could be handed a topography map at a site and sketch out the entire resort".

The New York Times

If the matter evolved into something bigger, their discussion could be handed over to law-enforcement officers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Martin O'Neill could be handed the opportunity to become the new Republic of Ireland manager within days.

Independent

It says that personal data could be handed to security services and law enforcement authorities only with judicial approval.

The Guardian

If only it were true that a mother's illness could be handed down to her children as joy minus insanity.

The New York Times - Magazine

But other ministries, like health, education and agriculture, could be handed over to Iraqi control more quickly.

The New York Times

Maybe Hefce's research funding could be handed over to the research councils – or council, if the merger goes ahead.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of the situation. While "could be handed" is generally acceptable, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "could be transferred" or "may be assigned".

Common error

Avoid using "could be handed" with a plural subject when it should be singular. For example, instead of "Responsibilities could be handed to the team", use "Responsibility could be handed to the team" if you are referring to a single responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be handed" functions as a passive construction, indicating the possibility of something being given or transferred to someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. The modal verb 'could' expresses possibility, while 'be handed' signifies the passive voice, emphasizing the recipient of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be handed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction that expresses the possibility of something being given or transferred. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in news, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the giver and receiver, and consider more formal alternatives like "might be given" or "may be transferred" for certain situations. Avoid subject-verb agreement errors to maintain grammatical correctness. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "could be handed" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be given

Replaces "handed" with "given", slightly more formal.

may be transferred

Uses "transferred" to emphasize the act of moving something.

could be delivered

Focuses on the act of delivering something, often physically.

could be awarded

Implies a formal conferral of something, like a prize or contract.

might be passed on

Suggests a transmission from one entity to another, often generational.

may be assigned

Emphasizes the act of assigning responsibility or ownership.

could be bequeathed

Implies a transfer through inheritance or a will.

might be granted

Suggests a formal permission or right being given.

can be conveyed

Focuses on the communication or transmission of information or ideas.

can be relinquished

Emphasizes the act of giving up or surrendering something, often a right or power.

FAQs

How can I use "could be handed" in a sentence?

Use "could be handed" to describe a potential transfer or delivery of something. For example, "The project "could be handed" over to a new team next month".

What are some alternatives to "could be handed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "might be given", "may be transferred", or "could be delivered".

Is it correct to say "could be hand" instead of "could be handed"?

No, "could be hand" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "could be handed", which uses the past participle of the verb "hand" in a passive construction.

What is the difference between "could be handed" and "will be handed"?

"Could be handed" implies a possibility, while "will be handed" suggests a higher degree of certainty. "The task "could be handed" to him" means it's possible but not definite. "The task will be handed to him" means it is planned or expected.