to be passed on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be passed on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of transferring information, knowledge, or items from one person or entity to another. Example: "The traditions of our family are meant to be passed on to future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If there is, then that has to be passed on to us.

The New York Times

Public places – from buses to trains to shopping centres – allow infections to be passed on easily.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the benefits of those are unlikely to be passed on down to most people, according to current trends.

Independent

However, it wouldn't require campus reports to be passed on to local law enforcement.

Huffington Post

I don't mean that disrespectfully, I mean that because it has to be passed on somewhere.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Tough treatment tends to be passed on, often with pride and usually to one's juniors.

The New York Times - Magazine

As when dealing with one gene, each allele is equally likely to be passed on.

WikiHow

The recipe is now ready to be passed on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We really encourage good practice to be passed on.

The Guardian

Also, they enable congestion charges to be passed on to motorists, as currently applied in Singapore.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

It's a deceptively simple remark that needs to be passed on, and can stand some attention.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be passed on", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being transferred, whether it's information, a physical object, or a tradition. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "to be passed on" when the intended meaning is merely 'to happen' or 'to occur'. This phrase implies a transfer from one entity to another, not a simple event. For example, instead of saying "The blame should to be passed on", use "The blame should be assigned" or "attributed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be passed on" primarily functions as part of a passive construction, indicating that something is being transferred or conveyed from one entity to another. As Ludwig AI suggests, this transfer can involve information, knowledge, objects, or even burdens.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

24%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be passed on" is a versatile phrase used to describe the transfer of information, items, or responsibilities from one entity to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being transferred to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "to be transmitted", "to be conveyed", or "to be handed down" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. With its widespread usage and clear meaning, "to be passed on" remains a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be transmitted

Emphasizes the process of conveying information or signals, often in a technical or scientific context. The difference is that "transmitted" focuses on the act of sending something.

to be conveyed

Highlights the act of communicating or expressing something, often intangible, such as an idea or feeling. This shifts the focus toward the message itself.

to be handed down

Suggests a transfer of knowledge, traditions, or possessions from one generation to the next. This implies a familial or historical connection.

to be bequeathed

Specifically refers to the act of leaving something in a will. The major difference is that this alternative is used exclusively when talking about items listed on someone's will.

to be imparted

Focuses on the act of bestowing knowledge or wisdom. This shifts the focus towards the giving of abstract, intangible things.

to be disseminated

Refers to the widespread distribution of information or ideas. It implies a broad reach and public availability.

to be circulated

Highlights the movement of something among a group of people or within a system. Focuses on the process of something spreading in an environment.

to be forwarded

Suggests the act of sending something on to another person, often an email or message. The action of sending takes center stage.

to be related

Focuses on how things are connected, often used as an introduction to something new. Its primary usage is about narrating a story or an event.

to be purveyed

Signifies supplying or providing something, often with a negative connotation of something being sold or promoted aggressively. The focus is on the action of selling, or persuading.

FAQs

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

Use "to be passed on" to describe the act of transferring something, whether it's information, a physical object, or a skill, from one person or entity to another. For example, "This knowledge needs "to be passed on" to the next generation of leaders".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "to be passed on"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "to be transmitted", "to be conveyed", or "to be handed down".

What is the difference between "to be passed on" and "to be transferred"?

"To be passed on" often implies a deliberate act of conveying something, whether tangible or intangible. "To be transferred" is a more general term that can refer to any movement from one place or person to another, without necessarily implying intention.

Is it correct to use "to be passed on" in a formal context?

Yes, "to be passed on" is appropriate for formal contexts, especially when discussing the transfer of information, responsibilities, or assets. The formality often depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.