handed over to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "handed over to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of transferring control of something to someone else. For example, "The keys to the house were handed over to the new owners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Handed over to other Orders.... 28 Amalgamated with other towns...

Cornell University

All were handed over to No. 18 Group RAF.

Wikipedia

After the screening, certificates were handed over to each participant.

Unicef

He has been handed over to prosecutors.

The Economist

They were handed over to the military.

The New York Times

He was later handed over to Hezbollah.

The Guardian

They haven't been handed over to anyone.

The Guardian - Film

They may have been handed over to the Security Police.

Yale University

Eventually, he recovered and was handed over to the authorities.

Stanford University

Once identified, he was handed over to the police.

The New York Times

Five cars were handed over to customers onstage on Friday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "handed over to", ensure the context clearly indicates who is transferring what to whom. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "handed over to" excessively in passive voice constructions, as it can make your writing sound indirect and less engaging. Opt for active voice where possible to strengthen your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "handed over to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating the recipient of a transfer. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, demonstrating its role in connecting a transferred entity with its new possessor or responsible party. Examples show it detailing the transfer of objects, people, or responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "handed over to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes the transfer of something—whether it's an object, a person, or a responsibility—from one entity to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. This phrase is most commonly found in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it in active constructions to avoid passive voice overuse. Consider alternatives like "passed on to" or "turned over to" for subtle variations in meaning. With its clear meaning and wide acceptance, "handed over to" remains a reliable choice for describing transfers in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passed on to

Focuses on the act of transferring something, similar to handing over but can also imply a more casual or less formal transfer.

turned over to

Emphasizes a change in control or responsibility, often implying a formal or official transfer.

transferred to

Focuses on the movement of something from one entity to another, often used in legal or administrative contexts.

relinquished to

Highlights the act of giving up control or possession, often implying it was done unwillingly or under duress.

delivered to

Emphasizes the act of bringing something to a specific location or person, often implying a formal or official process.

ceded to

Implies a formal or legal transfer of territory or rights, often between governments or organizations.

entrusted to

Highlights the act of giving someone responsibility or care for something, implying a level of trust.

assigned to

Focuses on allocating a task, responsibility, or object to someone for a specific purpose.

consigned to

Suggests entrusting something to someone for a specific purpose, often involving shipping or storage.

bequeathed to

Refers to the act of leaving something to someone in a will, often involving inheritance.

FAQs

How can I use "handed over to" in a sentence?

You can use "handed over to" to describe the transfer of responsibility or possession. For example, "The suspect was "handed over to" the police."

What are some alternatives to "handed over to"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "passed on to", "turned over to", or "transferred to".

Is there a difference between "handed over to" and "turned over to"?

While similar, "handed over to" often implies a more physical transfer, while "turned over to" can suggest a more formal change in responsibility or control. However, they are often interchangeable.

Can "handed over to" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "handed over to" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly professional settings.