pass down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pass down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts, such as when referring to passing something down to a person or generation, or to pass a tradition or knowledge down through history. For example, you can say, "The family has passed down the recipe for the dish for generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Women pass down stories".

The New Yorker

She has no recipes to pass down.

The New York Times - Food

"Art, you can pass down for generations".

The New York Times

"Who's going to pass down a video game?" he said.

The New Yorker

Not many from Telegraph Hill pass down this way".

The Guardian

Who will pass down the stories about that particular rock?

The Guardian - Opinion

He converted the second of them with a spectacular backhand pass down the line.

Independent

Manny and his wife, Yvonne, tried to pass down those principles to their sons.

The New York Times - Sports

"You can pass down the stories from them instead," she said.

The New York Times

It's become a lifelong legacy — something you want to pass down to your kids".

The New York Times

They learn them when they live within vibrant institutions that pass down practices and habits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pass down" to emphasize the continuity of traditions, knowledge, or values across generations. For example, "Families often "pass down" stories and recipes, preserving cultural heritage."

Common error

Avoid using "pass down" passively without a clear subject performing the action. It should be clear who or what is doing the passing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pass down" is that of a phrasal verb. It describes the action of transferring something, be it tangible or intangible, to a subsequent generation or recipient. As shown by Ludwig, this transfer can refer to family traditions, skills, knowledge, or even physical possessions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pass down" functions as a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of transferring something across generations or to subsequent recipients. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and enjoys frequent use across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While "pass down" is typically neutral, it can also lean towards formal, which is evidenced by its appearance in news and scientific publications. When writing, it's recommended to ensure clarity regarding the subject performing the action and to value traditions and legacies that are conveyed across time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hand down

Similar meaning, emphasizing direct transfer or inheritance.

bequeath

Implies a formal or legal transfer, often through a will.

transmit

Focuses on the act of conveying information or traits.

transfer

Highlights the movement of something from one entity to another.

impart

Emphasizes the sharing of knowledge or skills.

leave behind

Focuses on what remains for future generations.

will

Refers to a legal document to pass items to future generations.

convey

Highlights passing down knowledge or an emotion to another person.

succeed to

Implies inheritance of a position, title, or responsibility.

deliver

Focuses on the action of delivering information.

FAQs

How can I use "pass down" in a sentence?

You can use "pass down" to describe the act of transferring something, like knowledge, traditions, or physical items, from one generation to the next. For instance, "Grandparents often "pass down" family heirlooms to their grandchildren".

What are some alternatives to "pass down"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "hand down", "bequeath", or "transmit".

Is it correct to say "passed down from generation to generation"?

Yes, "passed down from generation to generation" is a common and grammatically correct way to emphasize the continuous transfer of something over many generations.

What's the difference between "pass down" and "hand down"?

While ""pass down"" and "hand down" are often interchangeable, "hand down" might suggest a more direct or immediate transfer, whereas ""pass down"" can imply a more continuous or generational process.