passed on by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passed on by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been transmitted or conveyed from one person or entity to another. Example: "The knowledge of traditional farming techniques was passed on by generations of farmers to their children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's passed on by our parents".

Independent

He frequently quotes advice and aphorisms passed on by Dad.

The New York Times

This "commandment" has been passed on by various thinkers over time.

Independent

(Preferences are also passed on by parties whose votes are too low to get a seat).

The New York Times

How heartbreaking it was to witness hatred being passed on by well-meaning parents!

The Guardian

12.32pm: A couple of good blogs, passed on by my colleague Claire Armitstead.

The Guardian - Books

He said it's a place to put stuff usually passed on by word of mouth.

The New York Times

In high school, Scott discovered runway fashion in the pages of Details, passed on by friends.

The New Yorker

The trading day on Wall Street started out on a negative note passed on by overseas markets.

The New York Times

However, Bockhahn, said it is impossible to know what foreign agencies are doing with data passed on by the BND.

The Guardian

I've found that, generally speaking, the show that's the most successful has been passed on by everybody.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "passed on by", ensure the context clearly identifies both the source and the recipient of the transmission or conveyance. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "passed on by" in overly passive sentences. Active voice often creates more direct and impactful writing. For example, instead of "The information was passed on by the manager", consider "The manager passed on the information".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passed on by" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, often in passive constructions. Ludwig examples show it indicating the agent or source through which something is transmitted or conveyed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

19%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

OtherRelated

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "passed on by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates the source or agent of transmission. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in English writing. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals its prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and more informal sources like wikis. While the phrase is versatile, writers should be mindful of potential overuse in passive constructions and strive for clarity by explicitly identifying the transmitter and receiver. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication when employing the phrase "passed on by".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transmitted by

Focuses on the act of transmission, emphasizing the sender's role.

conveyed by

Highlights the act of conveying information or something tangible.

delegated by

Implies a formal assignment of responsibility or authority.

bestowed by

Suggests a granting of something as a gift or honor.

transferred by

Emphasizes the movement of something from one place or person to another.

handed down by

Implies a tradition or knowledge being passed through generations.

given by

A simpler way of expressing that something was provided by someone.

relayed by

Focuses on the communication aspect of passing on information.

inherited from

Specifically indicates something received as an inheritance.

sourced from

Highlights the origin or source of something.

FAQs

How can I use "passed on by" in a sentence?

The phrase "passed on by" indicates that something has been transmitted or conveyed from one source to another. For example, "The tradition was "handed down by" generations" or "The message was "relayed by" the messenger".

What are some alternatives to "passed on by"?

Alternatives include "transmitted by", "conveyed by", "delegated by", "bestowed by", or "handed down by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "passed on by" or should I use another preposition?

The phrase "passed on by" is grammatically correct and commonly used. The preposition "by" correctly identifies the agent or source through which something is transmitted.

What's the difference between "passed on by" and "passed down from"?

"Passed on by" emphasizes the act of conveyance, while "passed down from" often implies a generational or hierarchical transmission. For instance, traditions are typically "passed down from" ancestors, while information can be "passed on by" a colleague.