were handed over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were handed over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the transfer of something from one person or group to another. For example, "The documents were handed over to the new owner of the business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were handed over to the military.

The New York Times

None were handed over by Downing Street.

Independent

"They were handed over yesterday.

The Guardian

The paintings were handed over in January.

The Guardian - Arts

Last year, 248 houses were handed over to Annington.

The Guardian

Five cars were handed over to customers onstage on Friday.

The New York Times

They were handed over to the New York City police.

The New York Times

They were handed over to the Kuwaiti authorities.

The Guardian

Instead, he said, the two were handed over to a local Shiite Muslim militia.

The Washington Post

[Turning to the witness.] Is it correct that hostages in the occupied territories were handed over to the Sipo?

Yale University

As they closed, their files were handed over to the government's child protection agency, Tusla.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were handed over", ensure the context clearly indicates both the giver and the receiver of the transfer. For example, "The responsibilities were handed over to the new team" clarifies the direction of the transfer.

Common error

Avoid using "was handed over" when referring to multiple items or entities. "Was" is singular; use "were" for plural subjects. Correct: "The documents were handed over." Incorrect: "The documents was handed over."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were handed over" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something was transferred or delivered from one entity to another. It emphasizes the receiver of the action rather than the doer. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were handed over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction used to describe the transfer of something from one entity to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general communication. While the phrase is mostly found in "News & Media", the sources show that it also appears in "Science" and "Wiki". Remember to use "were" with plural subjects and ensure the context clearly indicates the direction of the transfer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were transferred

Focuses on the act of moving something from one place or person to another, emphasizing the relocation aspect.

were relinquished

Highlights the act of giving up control or possession, often implying a formal or official process.

were delivered

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

were ceded

Implies a formal transfer of territory or rights, often in a political or legal context.

were conveyed

Focuses on the act of communicating or transporting something, often implying a formal or legal transfer.

were surrendered

Suggests giving up something, often under duress or in a conflict situation.

were passed on

Emphasizes the act of transmitting something to the next person or generation, often implying a legacy or tradition.

were entrusted

Implies giving someone responsibility or care for something, emphasizing trust and confidence.

were consigned

Focuses on formally assigning to a specific destination or person, often in a commercial or legal context.

were bestowed

Suggests conferring something as a gift or honor, often implying a sense of generosity or appreciation.

FAQs

How can I use "were handed over" in a sentence?

Use "were handed over" to describe the act of transferring something from one party to another. For example, "The suspects "were handed over to police"" or "The responsibilities "were handed over to the team"".

What are some alternatives to "were handed over"?

Alternatives include "were transferred", "were delivered", or "were relinquished", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was handed over" instead of "were handed over"?

The correct usage depends on the subject. Use "was handed over" for singular subjects (e.g., "The document was handed over"). Use "were handed over" for plural subjects (e.g., "The documents were handed over").

What's the difference between "were handed over" and "were turned over"?

"Were handed over" implies a more neutral transfer, while "were turned over" often suggests revealing or betraying someone or something. For example, "The evidence "were handed over to prosecutors"" versus "The spies "were turned over to the enemy"".