What are the definitions of “hand on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Give to someone else.
I HANDED the job ON to a colleague.
- 2Transmit knowledge to the next generation.
The secrets have been HANDED ON from generation to generation.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hand on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hand on is to give something to someone else, usually as a responsibility or task. It can also mean passing knowledge or information from one person or generation to another.
What are the different verb forms of “hand on”?
| Root Verb | hand on |
| Third Person Singular Present | hands on |
| Present Participle | handing on |
| Simple Past | handed on |
| Past Participle | handed on |
Example
She decided to hand on the responsibility to her assistant.
Example
He hands on the family business to his son.
Example
She is handing on her knowledge to the new employees.
Example
They handed on the secret recipe to their children.
Example
The ancient traditions have been handed on for centuries.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hand on”?
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 on” 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
She handed on the responsibility to her assistant.
Example
He handed the family business on to his son.
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 on” 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
She handed on the responsibility to her assistant.
Example
He handed the family business on to his son.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hand on”?
Direct, practical experience in a particular field or activity.
Example
She has hands on experience in managing large teams.
Good things to know
Does “hand on” have an informal or formal tone?
Hand on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
