is being handed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is being handed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is currently happening, particularly when something is being given or passed to someone. Example: "The document is being handed to the manager for approval."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The letter is being handed in to Number 10 today.

Independent

"Nothing is being handed to me," Mr. Wooten said.

The New York Times

Food is being handed in over the garden railings.

The Guardian

Assignment 2 is being handed back at the end of the class.

University of California, Berkeley

"Nobody is putting a lot of value in what is being handed over".

The Guardian

Judgment is being handed down by Mr Justice Ouseley at the high court in London.

The Guardian

Another £1m is being handed to him which will be given to charities of his choice.

The Guardian - Business

The fourth, in Upper Norwood, is being handed over to a group of volunteers.

The Guardian - Books

And control of both buildings is being handed over to a regional commission.

The New York Times - Arts

This could be a huge success for this administration, and is being handed to the White House on a plate.

The Guardian - Opinion

The family history of the offender should also be considered when a sentence is being handed down, the guidelines state.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is being handed", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the handing and who or what is receiving it. This clarity enhances the sentence's impact and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is being handed" without a clear subject or object. The passive voice can become convoluted if it's unclear who is performing the action or receiving the item or responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is being handed" functions as a passive progressive verb phrase. It indicates that an action of transferring or giving is currently in progress, with the emphasis on the ongoing nature of the action. As seen in Ludwig examples, it is frequently used in news and media to describe transfer of power or objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is being handed" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an ongoing transfer of something, be it an object, responsibility, or opportunity. According to Ludwig AI, it is frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in academic and business settings. While generally neutral in register, being mindful of who or what is doing the handing and receiving it is crucial for clarity. When precision matters, considering alternatives like "is being given" or "is being transferred" can further refine the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is being given

Emphasizes the act of giving or providing something, similar to handing over.

is being transferred

Focuses on the movement or shifting of something from one place or person to another.

is being passed

Highlights the act of passing something along, often implying a temporary transfer.

is being assigned

Indicates that a task or responsibility is being allocated to someone.

is being delegated

Similar to 'assigned' but often implies a formal or official transfer of responsibility.

is being entrusted

Highlights the aspect of trust and confidence in the transfer.

is being bestowed

Implies a formal or ceremonial act of giving something.

is being granted

Focuses on the permission or authorization aspect of giving something.

is being presented

Highlights the act of formally introducing or offering something.

is being offered

Indicates a willingness to give something, but not necessarily a completed transfer.

FAQs

How can I use "is being handed" in a sentence?

Use "is being handed" to describe a situation where something is currently in the process of being given or transferred to someone. For example, "The responsibility "is being handed" to the new manager."

What are some alternatives to "is being handed"?

Alternatives include "is being given", "is being transferred", or "is being passed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is being handed" formal or informal?

"Is being handed" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "is being delegated" may be preferred in some situations.

What's the difference between "is being handed" and "is being handled"?

"Is being handed" implies a transfer or giving of something, while "is being handled" refers to how something is being managed or dealt with. The terms are not interchangeable.