it was handed back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was handed back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been returned to its original owner or to someone who previously had it. Example: "After the review, the paper was graded and it was handed back to the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

During the War of Greek Independence (1821 29) Sámos revolted against Turkey and gained its freedom, but in 1832 it was handed back to Turkey to be administered by a Turkish-appointed Greek governor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hong Kong was set to make its first transition to democratic leadership in 2017 since it was handed back to China after 150 years of British rule.

Vice

When it was handed back to China in 1997, it was guaranteed its own legal system for 50 years, with freedoms of speech and assembly.

The Economist

It was handed back to Italy in 1920.

The New York Times

It was handed back to Italy in 1954.

The New York Times

When it was handed back, 20 tonnes were missing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Operator Morris Travel announced it was handing back its council contract on many routes from 19 January.

BBC

The Norwegian major, Statoil, said it was handing back three "frontier" exploration licences in Greenland.

Independent

Such cowardly behaviour hardly bodes well for Hong Kong when it is handed back to China in July.

The Economist

In another, poignant moment, a musical reference is, as it were, handed back to Richard by one of the Africans a reference now altered by its political translation.

The New Yorker

In another, poignant moment, a musical reference is, as it were, handed back to Richard by one of the Africans — a reference now altered by its political translation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was handed back" when you want to emphasize the act of returning something, especially after a period of control or possession by someone else.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "it was handed back" in situations where active voice would make the sentence clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The report was handed back by the manager", use "The manager handed back the report."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was handed back" functions as a passive construction, describing an action where something is returned. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is often used to describe the restitution of territories, objects, or responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

21%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was handed back" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction that indicates a return of possession or control. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral, you should choose active voice for directness. Consider alternatives like "it was returned" or "it was given back" based on the specific connotation you want to convey. Overall, the phrase is versatile and widely accepted in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was returned

Focuses on the action of returning, without specifying the manner.

it was given back

Emphasizes the act of giving, suggesting a more informal or personal return.

it was restored

Implies a return to a former, better condition.

it was relinquished

Highlights the act of giving up control or possession.

it was ceded

Suggests a formal or legal transfer of ownership or territory.

it was conveyed back

Emphasizes the act of transferring property or information back.

it was reverted

Indicates a return to a previous state or condition automatically.

it was surrendered

Implies a forced or unwilling return of something.

it was transferred back

Highlights the act of transferring ownership back to the original owner.

it was released

Focuses on the act of freeing something from control or confinement.

FAQs

What does "it was handed back" mean?

The phrase "it was handed back" means that something was returned to a previous owner, controller, or possessor. It implies a transfer of control or ownership back to someone who previously held it.

When is it appropriate to use "it was handed back" in writing?

Use "it was handed back" when you want to emphasize the act of returning something after a period of control or possession by another party. It is suitable when the process of returning is significant to the context.

What are some alternatives to "it was handed back"?

You can use alternatives like "it was returned", "it was given back", or "it was restored depending on the specific meaning you want to convey".

Is "it was handed back" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was handed back" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and situation. However, more formal alternatives like "it was relinquished" might be preferable in strictly professional or academic writing.