it was handed over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was handed over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of transferring possession or control of something from one person or entity to another. Example: "After the meeting, the documents were finalized and it was handed over to the legal department for review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

The world's biggest-ever cruise ship, the 120,000-tonne Harmony of the Seas, has opened its doors to reveal a vast floating town as it was handed over by a French shipyard to its American owners.

The Guardian - Travel

It was handed over to Colin Kolles to operate out of his factory in Germany.

The New York Times - Sports

"It does not mean anything that it was handed over in Pakistan".

The New York Times

In 1815, it was handed over to Austria and went into a decline.

The Guardian - Travel

After the abolition of the GLC in 1986, it was handed over to Thamesmead Town Limited.

The Guardian

Two years later, it was handed over to Harris and Seldon.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The Block Captain requests that it be handed over to the Party for use as a clubhouse for the neighborhood worm collective.

The New Yorker

All trustees must ensure they know who has the password and that it is handed over if the possessor leaves, otherwise it can be a time-consuming process.

The Guardian

He added, "Even if it were handed over to Thursfield tomorrow, even though he's capable, I just feel a great sense of comfort with Nick".

The New York Times

We would suggest that it is handed over to the proper authorities in order that they can do a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

The Guardian

And even after a piece is finished, it's handed over to the musicians and they, in turn, need to dedicate hours of rehearsal to learning this new creation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was handed over", ensure the context clearly indicates who transferred the item and to whom. This clarifies the direction of the transfer and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was handed over" excessively in your writing, as overuse of passive voice can make your sentences sound weak and indirect. Consider using the active voice for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was handed over" functions as a passive construction, indicating the transfer of an object or responsibility. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. In this construction, the subject receives the action rather than performing it.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was handed over" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction used to describe the act of transferring something from one entity to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly acceptable. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with other occurrences in encyclopedias and wikis. While generally neutral in tone, writers should be mindful of overuse, as passive voice can sometimes weaken writing. Alternatives such as "it was transferred" or "it was passed on" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was transferred

Implies a general shift of something from one place or person to another, with less emphasis on the act of giving.

it was passed on

Suggests a more informal transfer, often of knowledge, skills, or traditions.

it was relinquished

Indicates a voluntary surrender of something, often with a sense of loss or resignation.

it was ceded

Implies a formal or legal transfer of territory or rights.

it was conveyed

Suggests a formal or official transfer, often in a legal or business context.

it was bequeathed

Indicates a transfer of property or assets through a will.

it was consigned

Implies entrusting something to someone for a specific purpose, like sale or delivery.

it was delivered

Focuses on the act of physically transferring something to a recipient.

it was entrusted

Highlights the aspect of trust placed in the recipient of the transfer.

it was devolved

Specifically refers to the transfer of power or authority from a central government to a regional or local one.

FAQs

What does "it was handed over" mean?

The phrase "it was handed over" means that something was transferred or delivered from one person or entity to another. It implies a change of possession or responsibility.

What can I say instead of "it was handed over"?

You can use alternatives like "it was transferred", "it was passed on", or "it was delivered" depending on the specific context.

Is "it was handed over" formal or informal?

"It was handed over" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives exist, such as "it was conveyed" for business contexts.

How can I use "it was handed over" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "After the negotiations concluded, the contract was finalized and "it was handed over" to the legal team for review."