inherited by

USAGE SUMMARY

"inherited by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when someone takes over something that was given to them by someone else. For example, "The family business was inherited by Jack when his father retired."

✓ Grammatically correct

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Plosone

The New Yorker

The Guardian - Film

The Guardian

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Inheritance: genetically determined traits are inherited by offspring.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The prevalence of HIV infection was calculated in non-inherited widows and in four subgroups of inherited widows: widows inherited by relatives for companionship, widows inherited by relatives for sexual ritual, widows inherited by non-relatives for companionship, and widows inherited by non-relatives for sexual ritual.

Plosone

That tradition was inherited by Russian choreographers.

The New Yorker

It was inherited by someone in Nashville.

The New Yorker

Her fascination with birds was inherited by Grive.

The New Yorker

It has been inherited by Raymond's granddaughter Fawn.

The Guardian - Film

"It was launched by Highbury House and inherited by Future.

The Guardian

Three distinctly traditional elements were inherited by the sinsosŏl.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The baronetcy, then customary for a Lord Mayor, was inherited by Keith Joseph.

The Guardian

He said they were "driven in large part by the economic crisis inherited by this administration".

The New York Times

When Henson died in 1990, the company was inherited by his five children.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inherited by", ensure the subject clearly indicates who or what is receiving the inheritance, and the object specifies what is being passed down. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "inherited by" when the relationship between the inheritor and the inherited item is unclear or illogical. For example, avoid sentences where it's not obvious who is inheriting what.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inherited by" functions as a passive voice construction indicating the recipient of something that has been passed down. Ludwig examples show its application in contexts ranging from genetic traits to financial burdens.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Mathematical Sciences

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inherited by" serves as a common and grammatically sound way to express the act of receiving something from a predecessor. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans diverse contexts from genetics to finance, indicating its versatility. Predominantly found in news, science, and encyclopedic sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for formal and informal communication. When using "inherited by", ensure a clear connection between the inheritor and the inherited item to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was passed down to

Highlights the transfer of something through generations or levels.

was handed down to

Similar to 'was passed down to', but often implies a more personal or informal transfer.

received from

Focuses on the act of obtaining something from a source.

taken over by

Suggests a transfer of responsibility or control.

succeeded to

Emphasizes the act of taking over a position or title.

assumed by

Highlights the act of taking on a role, responsibility, or characteristic.

was bequeathed to

Highlights the formal or legal transfer of property or rights.

gained possession of

Focuses on the act of obtaining something, often implying effort or achievement.

came into possession of

Indicates the gaining of ownership or control.

fell to

Implies a transfer that occurs as a result of circumstance or fate.

FAQs

How can I use "inherited by" in a sentence?

Use "inherited by" to show that someone or something received traits, property, or responsibilities from a predecessor. For example, "The family estate was inherited by the eldest son."

What are some alternatives to "inherited by"?

You can use alternatives like "succeeded to", "received from", or "was bequeathed to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "inherited to" instead of "inherited by"?

No, the correct phrasing is "inherited by". "Inherited to" is grammatically incorrect. The preposition "by" indicates the recipient of the inheritance.

What is the difference between "inherited by" and "acquired by"?

"Inherited by" implies a transfer of traits, property, or responsibilities due to lineage or predetermined succession. "Acquired by" suggests obtaining something through effort, purchase, or other means.