hand down

USAGE SUMMARY

"hand down" is correct and usable in written English.
It often means to pass something down from one generation to the next. For example, "I handed down my grandmother's jewelry to my daughter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ngeju kept his hand down, and smiled.

The New York Times - Sports

It will hand down its decision next summer.

The Economist

He put his hand down low, just above his knee.

The New York Times

Paulson slammed his hand down on his desk.

The New Yorker

A judge was expected to hand down a sentence today.

The New York Times

They want something they can hand down to their grandchildren".

The New York Times

And in connection with this, he received a new sentence, which he had to hand down".

The New York Times

What types of penalties do those courts hand down for sex offenses?

The New York Times

The court is expected to hand down a judgment in the case on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

On the other hand, down-regulation of ERK activity is highly associated with apoptosis [ 44].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

I don't believe in all this hand-down stuff.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hand down" in the context of inheritance, consider the emotional weight and significance of the item being passed down. Use descriptive language to convey the value and history of the object or tradition.

Common error

Avoid using "hand down" interchangeably with phrases like "provide" or "offer" if the intention is not to convey a sense of legacy, tradition, or formal decision-making. Using it in the wrong context can sound unnatural or confusing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hand down" is as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb 'hand' with the particle 'down' to create a new meaning, most often indicating the act of transmitting something to a subsequent generation or delivering a formal decision. Ludwig provides examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

28%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hand down" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, primarily involving the act of transmitting something across generations or delivering a formal judgment. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media. When writing, be aware of the context to accurately convey the intended meaning. Considering alternative phrases like "pass down" or "bequeath" can add nuance to your writing and avoid misinterpretations. Understanding its usage in formal and informal settings ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pass down

Focuses on the act of transferring something to a subsequent generation or recipient.

deliver

In the context of a judgment or verdict, it means to formally announce a decision.

bequeath

Implies a formal or legal transfer, often through a will.

transmit

Emphasizes the process of conveying something, whether tangible or intangible.

announce

Similar to deliver, it emphasizes the act of making something known officially.

bestow

Suggests a conferral or gift, often with a sense of honor or privilege.

leave to

Specifically refers to leaving something to someone after death.

promulgate

Means to officially declare a new law or decree.

donate

Focuses on giving something away, often for charitable purposes.

give

A general term for transferring possession or ownership.

FAQs

How can I use "hand down" in a sentence?

You can use "hand down" to describe the act of passing something on to a younger generation, such as "My grandmother handed down her wedding dress to me". It can also refer to a court delivering a decision, as in "The judge is expected to "deliver a verdict" soon".

What does "hand down" mean in a legal context?

In legal terms, "hand down" means that a court is formally issuing or delivering a decision, ruling, or judgment. For example, "The Supreme Court will "announce a decision" on the case next week".

What can I say instead of "hand down" when referring to inheritance?

When referring to inheritance, you can use phrases like "pass down", "bequeath", or "leave to" depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is "hand down" formal or informal?

"Hand down" is generally considered to be neutral in tone. While it can be used in both formal (legal decisions) and informal (family traditions) contexts, it's important to consider the specific context when choosing the most appropriate wording. For instance, "transmit" may be more appropriate in some cases.