passed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passed to" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that something given, handed, or transferred from one person to another. Example sentence: The teacher passed the test papers to the students.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Word was quickly passed to the governor.

The New York Times

It passed to the British in 1765.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It passed to Germany in 1899.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The baton had passed to America.

The New York Times

Today that distinction has passed to Sweden.

The Economist

In 1817 it passed to the British.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It passed to Bavaria in 1810.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hanau passed to Hesse-Kassel in 1736.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And so power passed to America.

The New York Times

Or passed to Nadolo.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A new Exclusion Act passed to conform to Arthur's objections.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts like power or responsibility, "passed to" can effectively illustrate a shift in control or authority. For instance: "The leadership was passed to the next generation".

Common error

Avoid using "passed to" when a different phrase more accurately reflects the intended meaning. For example, if you mean 'ignored', 'overlooked', or 'bypassed', don't use "passed to" as a substitute. Be precise in your word choice to avoid miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passed to" functions primarily as a transitive verb phrase, indicating the transfer of something—whether physical or abstract—from one entity to another. This transfer is actively performed by a subject. Ludwig shows the wide application of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "passed to" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that signifies the transfer of something from one entity to another. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various domains, including news, science, encyclopedias, and general writing. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Key alternatives include "transferred to" and "handed over to". When using "passed to", ensure that the context clearly indicates the direction of the transfer and that it's not confused with other phrases with similar, yet distinct, meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transferred to

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

handed over to

Suggests a more direct, physical transfer of something.

conveyed to

Implies a formal or official transfer.

transmitted to

Often used when referring to the transfer of information or signals.

relayed to

Highlights the passing on of a message or information.

shifted to

Focuses on a change in possession or responsibility.

delegated to

Indicates the assigning of a task or responsibility to someone else.

assigned to

Similar to 'delegated to', but can also refer to assigning objects or properties.

bestowed upon

Suggests a conferral of something, often an honor or privilege.

entrusted to

Implies a high degree of trust in the recipient of the transfer.

FAQs

How can I use "passed to" in a sentence?

The phrase "passed to" is used to indicate that something has been transferred from one person or thing to another. For example: "The ball was "passed to" the winger" or "Responsibility for the project was "passed to" the new team leader".

What are some alternatives to "passed to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "transferred to", "handed over to", or "delegated to".

Is it correct to say "the torch was passed to"?

Yes, the expression "the torch was "passed to"" is a common idiom that signifies the transfer of leadership, responsibility, or a legacy from one person or group to another.

What's the difference between "passed to" and "given to"?

While both phrases imply a transfer, ""passed to"" often suggests a sequential transfer or a process, especially in sports or formal transitions. "Given to" is a more general term for handing something over.