"Handed down" is used in sentences to describe the act of officially announcing or delivering something, often a formal decision or judgment, especially in a legal context. The phrase implies a transfer or communication of something authoritative or established from a higher body to a lower one.
Common Usages of "Handed Down"
Here's a breakdown of how "handed down" is commonly used with specific examples:
1. Legal Judgments
- Sentences: As indicated in the provided reference, "handed down" is frequently used when a court officially announces a sentence.
- Example: The court handed down an eight-year sentence.
- Verdicts: It can also refer to the official delivery of a verdict by a jury or judge.
- Example: He plans to appeal the verdict handed down by a jury yesterday.
- Rulings: In general, any formal legal decision can be described as being "handed down."
- Example: The Supreme Court handed down a ruling that changed the law.
2. Traditions and Knowledge
While the legal context is prominent, "handed down" can also be used in broader contexts related to traditions, knowledge, or objects passed from one generation to the next.
- Traditions:
- Example: This recipe has been handed down through our family for generations.
- Knowledge:
- Example: The local lore was handed down by the elders of the village.
- Objects:
- Example: The antique clock was handed down to me by my grandfather.
Table Summary of "Handed Down" Usage
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Legal | Sentence, verdict, ruling The judge handed down the verdict. |
| Tradition | Recipe, custom, story, a tradition handed down through generations |
| Knowledge | Lore, wisdom, information The knowledge was handed down orally. |
| Objects | Heirlooms, artifacts, items, family heirlooms handed down through time |
Key Characteristics of "Handed Down"
- Official Delivery: It suggests an official or formal communication, often from an authority.
- Transmission: It implies the transfer of something from one source to another.
- Established: It often relates to something that has been established, whether it's a decision, tradition, or knowledge.
- Passive Voice: The phrase is often used in the passive voice, where the subject receives the action. For example: "The sentence was handed down."
By keeping these nuances in mind, you can use the phrase "handed down" effectively in your sentences.
