the baton has been passed

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "The baton has been passed" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase typically refers to a figurative passing of responsibility from one person or group to another. You can use this phrase in any context where someone is taking over from someone else, or when a task or responsibility is changing hands. For example: "After four years in office, the mayor has passed the baton to her successor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"The baton has been passed," Mr. Romero said.

The New York Times

"It's clear the baton has been passed and they're the team to beat in the A.F.C.

The New York Times

Facebook Twitter Pinterest 5.10pm BST The baton has been passed So I bid you hello.

The Guardian - Sport

"The baton has been passed on to them to give back, to represent their culture, their Hispanic heritage and L.P.G.A. golf.

The New York Times - Sports

Howard Archer of IHS Global Insight says the baton has been passed to the ECB's committee which is examining how to 'enhance' its QE programme.

The Guardian - Business

And so, the baton has been passed to Angela, and she is moving to London from Dublin to be fabulous in Alexa's place.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The baton had been passed; it was now up to Genevieve to continue the tradition.

Columbia University

By the start of the noughties, the baton had been passed to Destiny's Child, fronted by some singer called Beyoncé.

The Guardian - Music

Most expressed mixed emotions – pride at what Wootton Bassett had achieved, sadness that it will no longer be able to offer the support it has – and some relief that the baton had been passed on.

The Guardian

Indeed, he is arguably today's champion of liberal internationalism, the baton having been passed from the Clintonites (who are now out of power) and from human-rights groups (who are divided over things like sex trafficking).Mr Brownback is not the only "Wilberforce Republican".

The Economist

Most of those at the sunset ceremony expressed mixed emotions – pride at what Wootton Bassett had achieved, sadness that it would no longer be able to offer the support it has – and some relief that the baton had been passed on.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "the baton has been passed" to signal a clear and recognized transition of responsibility, leadership, or expertise from one entity to another.

Common error

Avoid using "the baton has been passed" when the transfer is incomplete or ambiguous. This phrase implies a full and acknowledged transfer of duties and can mislead if the transition is still in progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the baton has been passed" functions as an idiomatic expression to signify the transfer of responsibility, authority, or leadership. Ludwig shows its common usage in news, sports, and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

25%

Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the baton has been passed" is a common idiom used to signify a transfer of responsibility, authority, or leadership. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is most frequently used in news, sports, and business contexts to announce or acknowledge a transition. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. While alternatives exist, "the baton has been passed" provides a clear and concise way to communicate a shift in roles or duties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The torch has been passed

Emphasizes the passing of knowledge, inspiration, or a mission.

The reins have been handed over

Focuses on the idea of control and leadership being transferred.

The mantle has been taken up

Suggests the adoption of a role or position of authority and importance.

Leadership has transitioned

Highlights a change in leadership roles.

Responsibility has shifted

Directly states that obligation has changed hands.

The next generation has taken over

Emphasizes the role of younger individuals assuming responsibilities.

Succession has occurred

Formally indicates that a transfer of power or position has happened.

The project has a new leader

Emphasizes leadership transfer.

The task has been reassigned

Focuses on a specific duty or project being given to someone new.

Control has been relinquished

Focuses on the act of giving up control to another party.

FAQs

How can I use "the baton has been passed" in a sentence?

Use "the baton has been passed" to indicate a transfer of responsibility or leadership, such as in the sentence, "After years of service, the CEO announced that "the baton has been passed" to her successor".

What does "the baton has been passed" mean?

It means responsibility, authority, or leadership has been transferred from one person or group to another, often implying a smooth and recognized transition.

Which is correct, "the baton has been passed" or "the baton was passed"?

"The baton has been passed" implies a more recent or ongoing transfer, while "the baton was passed" suggests the transfer occurred at a specific point in the past. The correct choice depends on the context.

What can I say instead of "the baton has been passed"?

You can use alternatives like "the reins have been handed over", "the torch has been passed", or "responsibility has shifted", depending on the specific context you want to convey.