should be handed over

USAGE SUMMARY

"should be handed over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an object that needs to be transferred from one person to another. For example: "The keys to the office should be handed over to the new manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The reigns should be handed over to Luke Shaw.

Independent

He should be handed over to this administration and executed".

The New York Times

He argues the job should be handed over to a bipartisan task force.

The Economist

He said some aspects of governance should be handed over immediately.

The New York Times

But those documents should be handed over without delay for review by all members of Congress.

The New York Times

They said those responsible should be handed over and tried for violating human rights.

The New York Times

Once the information was collected, one of the accused decided what should be handed over to Mossad, Israel's security service.

The Economist

He said that control of inner suburban rail services should be handed over swiftly to Transport for London.

The Guardian

And if the ethics committee can't clean it up, it should be handed over to law enforcement authorities promptly.

The New York Times

The court recommended that all operations run by foreigners should be handed over to PT Pertamina, the creaky state energy giant, after contracts expire.

The Economist

The bodies of those who died in secret detention should be handed over and the survivors and families of the dead should be compensated.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be handed over", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is responsible for the transfer and to whom the item or responsibility is being transferred.

Common error

Avoid using "should be handed over" without specifying the subject. Instead of saying "The responsibility should be handed over", be specific: "The project management responsibility should be handed over to Sarah".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be handed over" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating an action that is advisable or required. It conveys a recommendation or expectation that something be transferred from one party to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Huffington Post

1%

The Guardian - Opinion

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be handed over" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express the advisability or necessity of transferring something. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is correct and readily applicable in written English. Its frequency of use is "very common", and it's typically found in news, wiki and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify what is being transferred and to whom. While various alternatives exist, such as "ought to be transferred", each carries nuances in formality and emphasis. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "should be handed over" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be transferred

Replaces "should" with "ought to", offering a more formal tone while maintaining the sense of obligation.

needs to be relinquished

Emphasizes the act of giving up control or possession; carries a slightly more formal connotation.

must be transferred

Stronger emphasis on obligation, indicating a firm requirement.

is to be delivered

Focuses on the action of delivering something, highlighting the completion of the transfer.

is required to be passed on

Highlights the mandatory nature of the transfer, suggesting a procedural or legal requirement.

needs to be turned over

An informal alternative emphasizing the act of physically handing something over.

is to be surrendered

Implies a forced or compelled transfer, often in situations of conflict or legal obligation.

is due to be submitted

Emphasizes the obligation and the timing of the submission of the object.

is slated for conveyance

A more formal and technical term for transfer, often used in legal or property contexts.

should be transmitted

Emphasizes the transfer of information or data, often in a technical or digital context.

FAQs

How can I use "should be handed over" in a sentence?

The phrase "should be handed over" indicates an action that is advisable or expected to occur. For example, "The evidence should be handed over to the authorities immediately", or "The responsibilities should be handed over to the new team leader".

What is a more formal alternative to "should be handed over"?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "ought to be transferred" or "is required to be passed on", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "must be handed over" instead of "should be handed over"?

While both are grammatically correct, "must be handed over" implies a stronger obligation than "should be handed over". "Must be transferred" indicates a non-negotiable requirement, whereas "should be handed over" suggests a recommendation or advisability.

What's the difference between "should be handed over" and "should be given over"?

The phrases "should be handed over" and "should be given over" are largely interchangeable. However, "handed over" often implies a more physical transfer of an object, while "given over" can refer to more abstract things like responsibilities or control.