was passed on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was passed on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that information, a message, or an object has been transmitted or conveyed from one person or entity to another. Example: "The news of the promotion was passed on to the entire team during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This report was passed on by English to Nimitz, who then sent it to Spruance.

Wikipedia

A TV pilot about the serial-killing pair was passed on as "too dark".

Los Angeles Times

The tent was passed on to us by Dr. Tiffany Keenan.

Huffington Post

Augustine believed that this was how original sin was passed on from one generation to another.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Animal Welfare Amendment Bill  was passed on Tuesday.

Independent

All of this documentation was passed on to the FZV.

The Economist

The bill that was passed, on May 21st, satisfies nobody.

The New Yorker

His name was passed on to the UK police.

The Guardian

The bill was passed on a strict party-line vote.

The New York Times

It was passed on to the professor who alerted police.

The Guardian

A message was passed on to me and I was able to send roses by Interflora.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was passed on", ensure the subject receiving the action is clearly identified. For example, clarify who received the message or item to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was passed on" when an active voice construction is more direct and clear. For instance, instead of "The responsibility was passed on to him", consider "He assumed the responsibility."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was passed on" functions primarily as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence received something (information, an object, a responsibility) from an unspecified agent. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this construction effectively communicates the transfer of something from one entity to another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

22%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was passed on" is a highly prevalent and grammatically sound passive verb phrase utilized to depict the transfer of information, items, or responsibilities from one entity to another. As Ludwig highlights, its usage spans various contexts including news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains, demonstrating its versatility. The phrase carries a generally neutral tone, with the context dictating the specific nuance of the transfer. When employing "was passed on", ensure clarity regarding the subject receiving the action. The Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was transferred

Highlights the movement of something from one place or person to another.

was transmitted

Focuses on the act of conveying something, often information, from one point to another.

was conveyed

Stresses the successful communication of a message or feeling.

was relayed

Emphasizes the act of passing information along a chain of communication.

was forwarded

Indicates something, typically information or an item, was sent ahead to another destination.

was handed down

Implies a transfer from one generation to the next, often referring to traditions or knowledge.

was delegated

Implies authority or responsibility being assigned to someone else.

was bequeathed

Refers to something left in a will or passed on as an inheritance.

was ceded

Highlights the formal act of giving up control or possession to someone else.

was deferred

Focuses on responsibility, power, or a decision being passed to another.

FAQs

How can I use "was passed on" in a sentence?

You can use "was passed on" to indicate that something (information, item, responsibility, etc.) was transferred from one person or entity to another. For example: "The information "was passed on" to the relevant authorities."

What's the difference between "was passed on" and "was handed down"?

"Was passed on" generally refers to any transfer, while "was handed down" often implies a transfer from one generation to another, typically of traditions, values, or knowledge.

What can I say instead of "was passed on"?

You can use alternatives like "was transmitted", "was conveyed", or "was relayed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the blame was passed on"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "the blame "was passed on"". It implies that someone avoided taking responsibility by shifting it to someone else.