was handed over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was handed over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was transferred or delivered from one person or entity to another. Example: "The documents were handed over to the new manager during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Eventually, he recovered and was handed over to the authorities.

Stanford University

Mohamed was handed over for brutal interrogation.

The Guardian

Once identified, he was handed over to the police.

The New York Times

Mr. Ochlik's body was handed over to the French ambassador.

The New York Times

The Olympic Flame was handed over to London today.

Independent

The phone was handed over voluntarily, he insists.

Independent

He was handed over to the US two days later.

The Guardian

In 1954, most of Istria was handed over to Yugoslavia.

The New York Times - Food

"The convict was handed over to an NGO.

The Guardian

He was handed over to strangers at Reading station.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Two years later, the colony was handed over to Spain.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality when choosing alternatives. "Was transferred" or "was conveyed" may be more appropriate in formal or legal contexts, while "was passed on" is suitable for informal situations.

Common error

Avoid using "was handed over" without specifying who received the item or responsibility. Saying "The documents were handed over" leaves the reader wondering who received them, unlike "The documents were "were handed over to" the legal team."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was handed over" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something was transferred or delivered by an unspecified agent to a recipient. Ludwig AI indicates that this is grammaticaly correct. For example, "The phone was handed over voluntarily" shows something transferred willingly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was handed over" is a grammatically sound and very common passive construction used to describe the transfer of something from one party to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is most frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the recipient is clearly identified for maximum clarity. Consider alternatives like "was transferred" or "was delivered" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was transferred

Focuses on the act of moving something from one place or person to another, often in a more official or systematic manner.

was delivered

Emphasizes the act of bringing something to a specific destination or recipient.

was passed on

Suggests a less formal transfer, often involving knowledge, skills, or traditions.

was turned over

Often implies a transfer of responsibility or control, sometimes with a negative connotation.

was relinquished

Indicates a voluntary surrender of something, often a right or possession.

was ceded

Suggests a formal transfer of territory or rights, often through a treaty or agreement.

was conveyed

Implies a more formal or legal transfer of ownership or information.

was surrendered

Suggests a forced or unwilling transfer, often in a conflict or negotiation.

was entrusted

Highlights the aspect of trust and responsibility in the transfer.

was bequeathed

Specifically refers to the transfer of property or assets through a will or inheritance.

FAQs

How to use "was handed over" in a sentence?

Use "was handed over" to indicate the transfer of an item, responsibility, or person from one entity to another. For example, "The prisoner "was handed over to" the authorities" or "The project "was handed over to" the new team".

What can I say instead of "was handed over"?

You can use alternatives like "was transferred", "was delivered", or "was passed on" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "was handed over" in formal writing?

Yes, "was handed over" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal or legal contexts, alternatives like "was transferred" or "was conveyed" might be preferred for their more precise and official tone.

What is the difference between "was handed over" and "was turned over"?

"Was handed over" generally indicates a neutral transfer, while "was turned over" often implies a transfer of responsibility or control, sometimes with a negative connotation or a sense of betrayal. For instance, "The evidence was handed over" suggests a straightforward transfer, whereas "The spy was turned over to the enemy" implies betrayal.