What are the definitions of “hand down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pass on to the next generation.
The jewellery has been HANDED DOWN in my family for generations.
- 2Give a formal decision.
The court HANDED DOWN its ruling yesterday.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hand down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hand down is to pass something, such as knowledge, traditions, or possessions, from one generation to another. It often refers to items or information that have been in a family for a long time.
What are the different verb forms of “hand down”?
| Root Verb | hand down |
| Third Person Singular Present | hands down |
| Present Participle | handing down |
| Simple Past | handed down |
| Past Participle | handed down |
Example
My grandmother handed down her favorite recipes to my mother.
Example
He hands down his old clothes to his younger brother.
Example
She is handing down her family's traditions to her children.
Example
The ancient stories were handed down through generations.
Example
The family heirloom has been handed down for centuries.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hand down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“hand down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
My father handed down his watch to me.
Example
The judge handed down the verdict in the case.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“hand down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
My father handed down his watch to me.
Example
The judge handed down the verdict in the case.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hand down”?
Good things to know
Does “hand down” have an informal or formal tone?
Hand down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. In everyday conversations, it is commonly used to describe passing down family possessions or traditions. In more formal settings, such as legal contexts, it is used to describe a judge or court giving a formal decision.
