should be passed on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be passed on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the transfer of information, knowledge, or responsibilities from one person or group to another. Example: "The important information regarding the project should be passed on to the new team members to ensure a smooth transition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

If items don't elicit joy in their owner, the book implores, they should be passed on to create joy elsewhere.

The New York Times

This implies that nature has a right to exist and that it has been borrowed and should be passed on from one generation to the next in its original form.

International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility

Savings should be passed on to parents and students.

The New York Times

The rebate should be passed on to borrowers in the form of lower rates.

The Economist

No judgment should be passed on any idea until the end of the session.

The Economist

"We have inherited a resource," he said, "that we think should be passed on to posterity".

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

In January, Anthem's chief executive, Joe Swedish, argued at the J.P. Morgan Chase Health Care Conference that Express Scripts should be passing on greater savings to the insurer.

The Washington Post

In that rule we even talked about potentially exploring the idea of whether we should be passing on the manufacturer rebates for patients.

Forbes

Founder, ThatHuffington Post; Founder and CEO, Thrive Global.

Huffington Post

Neither the nuclear industry nor the utilities industry should be passing on these costs to taxpayers, nor should federal and state governments be picking up the corporate tab, especially when our country's median wages are still stagnating and the income inequality gap is still gaping.

Huffington Post

Sullivan Papain argues that the expenses should not be passed on to clients because the retainer agreements did not ask them to accept such charges.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be passed on", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being transferred—whether it's information, responsibility, or physical items. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "should be passed on" in overly formal or technical writing where more precise verbs like "transmitted", "conveyed", or "delegated" might be more appropriate. Adapt your language to suit the specific tone and audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be passed on" functions primarily as a passive voice construction indicating an action that ought to be performed on a particular subject. It suggests a recommendation or expectation that something will be transferred, communicated, or inherited. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be passed on" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for indicating the recommended or expected transfer of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While its frequency is only 'Uncommon', its clear and direct meaning makes it a valuable addition to one's writing toolkit. Remember to ensure clarity regarding what is being transferred to avoid ambiguity and adapt the language to suit the specific tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be transmitted

This alternative emphasizes the formal obligation to transfer something.

ought to be communicated

Similar to 'needs to be conveyed' but emphasizes the moral obligation.

needs to be conveyed

Focuses on the necessity of communication or transfer of information.

needs to be relayed

Focuses on the action of communicating or passing on information.

must be transferred

Highlights the mandatory aspect of the transfer.

must be handed down

Emphasizes the handing over, especially across generations.

should be imparted

Highlights the transfer of knowledge or skills.

should be given over

Implies relinquishing control or possession.

should be bequeathed

Specifically refers to leaving something in a will or as an inheritance.

should be devolved

Emphasizes the delegation of power or responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "should be passed on" in a sentence?

Use "should be passed on" to indicate that something needs to be transferred or communicated to someone else. For instance, "The knowledge should be passed on to the next generation of scientists".

What is a more formal alternative to "should be passed on"?

More formal alternatives include "ought to be transmitted" or "must be conveyed", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "should be passed on" and "must be passed on"?

"Should be passed on" implies a recommendation or suggestion, whereas "must be passed on" indicates a requirement or obligation. The choice depends on the level of necessity you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "should be passed on"?

It's appropriate when discussing the transfer of information, responsibilities, or physical items where there is a sense of recommendation or expectation that the transfer will occur.