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How do you use hand-me-downs in a sentence?

Published in Vocabulary Usage 2 mins read

Hand-me-downs are typically used in a sentence to describe clothing or other items that have been passed down from one person to another, often within a family.

Here's a breakdown of how to use "hand-me-downs" in sentences, incorporating the reference:

  • Basic Usage: The term refers to items, typically clothing, that are passed down.

    • Example: "The family saved money by using hand-me-downs for the younger children."
  • Context within Families: Hand-me-downs often occur between siblings or relatives.

    • Example: "Her closet was full of hand-me-downs from her older sisters." (from the provided reference)
  • Adjective Use: "Hand-me-down" can also function as an adjective describing the item itself.

    • Example: "She wore a hand-me-down sweater from her cousin."
  • Beyond Clothing: Although commonly used for clothing, the term can apply to other items.

    • Example: "They furnished their apartment with hand-me-downs from their parents."

Examples of Using "Hand-Me-Downs"

Here are some additional examples demonstrating various ways to use the term:

  • Focus on Savings:
    • "We rely on hand-me-downs to keep our clothing budget low."
  • Condition of Items:
    • "Some of the hand-me-downs were in great condition, while others needed mending."
  • Emotional Aspect:
    • "She loved wearing hand-me-downs because they felt like a connection to her older brother."
  • Practicality:
    • "Instead of buying new, we often use hand-me-downs when kids outgrow their things."

Summary Table

Aspect Description Example Sentence
Basic Noun Refers to items passed down. "We received some hand-me-downs from our neighbors."
Family Context Items passed within a family. "All of my clothes are hand-me-downs from my older cousins."
Adjective Use Describes the item that was passed down. "She wore a hand-me-down coat."
Beyond Clothing Can apply to other passed-down items. "The furniture was a collection of family hand-me-downs."

By using the term in these varied contexts, you can clearly convey the idea of items being passed down from one person to another. The reference sentence demonstrates this clearly: "Her closet was full of hand-me-downs from her older sisters."

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