to be passed down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be passed down" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to traditions, knowledge, or items that are handed down from one generation to another. Example: "The family recipe has been passed down for generations, cherished by each member."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is it going to be passed down to successive generations?

The New York Times

1. Jaques backgammon set £49.99 jaqueslondon.co.uk Absolutely stunning and likely to be passed down through generations.

Independent

Traits are therefore able to be passed down maternal or paternal lines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Acid house beach balls, blue silk flags to be passed down the tiers.

The Guardian - Sport

It's extremely important for traditional music to be passed down from person to person".

The New York Times

Indeed, missing the point seems to be passed down from generation to generation.

The New York Times - Sports

Cooking, for Lucy, is a baton, to be passed down through the generations.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Male-pattern baldness is controlled genetically, and seems to be passed down predominantly on the mother's side.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lakha Khan, 66,  learned the Sindhi sarangi from his father, who viewed it as his legacy to be passed down to future generations.

The New York Times

Buy now 12. Jaques Mahogany Backgammon Set: £45, Jaques London This beautiful 15-inch mahogany backgammon set is absolutely stunning and likely to be passed down through generations.

Independent

To this writer, it's the grandaddy of all in-office tirades, a gift to be passed down from generation to generation.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be passed down", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being transferred and to whom. For example, specify whether it's knowledge, traditions, or physical items.

Common error

Avoid using "to be passed down" without specifying the recipient or the specific item being transferred. Lack of clarity can lead to ambiguity. Instead of saying, "It needs to be passed down", specify what 'it' is and who will receive it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be passed down" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is being transferred or transmitted from one entity to another. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, such as traditions, knowledge, and physical items. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be passed down" is a grammatically correct and very common passive verb phrase used to describe the transfer of something, such as knowledge, traditions, or possessions, from one entity to another, often across generations. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It is used across diverse contexts, including news media, encyclopedias, and wikis, with a neutral register. When using the phrase, clarity is crucial, specifying what is being transferred and to whom. Alternatives like ""to be handed down"" and "to be inherited" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be handed down

Emphasizes the direct, personal transfer from one individual to another.

to be transmitted

Implies a more formal or systematic transfer, often of information or diseases.

to be inherited

Focuses on receiving something as a right or consequence of lineage.

to be bequeathed

Specifically refers to the transfer of possessions or legacy through a will.

to be conveyed

Highlights the act of communicating or transferring information or rights.

to be relayed

Suggests a chain of communication, where information is passed from one point to another.

to be succeeded to

Focuses on the act of taking over a position or title after someone else.

to be cascaded

Implies a downward flow, often of information or instructions, through a hierarchy.

to be endowed upon

Suggests a formal or ceremonial granting of a gift or quality.

to be devolved

Indicates the transfer of power or responsibility from a central authority to local entities.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be passed down" to describe traditions, knowledge, or items that are transferred from one generation to another. For instance, "This recipe has "to be handed down" through generations."

What are some alternatives to "to be passed down"?

Alternatives include ""to be handed down"", "to be inherited", or "to be transmitted", depending on the context and the nature of what is being transferred.

Is it correct to say "passed down to" or "passed down from"?

Both are correct depending on the context. "Passed down to" indicates the recipient, while "passed down from" indicates the originator. For example, "The knowledge was passed down to her" and "The knowledge was passed down from her grandmother".

What is the difference between "to be passed down" and ""to be handed down""?

While both phrases are similar, ""to be handed down"" often implies a more direct, personal transfer, whereas "to be passed down" can refer to a more general or institutional transfer across generations.