If you’re unsure how to say something is passed down, especially in a professional setting, we’re here to help!
In this article, we’ll discuss the correctness of the phrase “passed down” and all its connotations.
Moreover, we’ll look at some helpful synonyms for “passed down” that you can use when the original phrase starts to wear out.
Passed Down Synonyms
- Assigned
- Given
- Handed down
- Delegated
- Entrusted
- Inherited
- Bequeathed
- Willed
- Transferred
- Transmitted
- Bestowed
- Palmed off
- Handed over
- Left
- Granted
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Passed down” is a perfectly correct phrase that we usually use when speaking about the passage of items or knowledge between family members.
- A more formal synonym for “passed down” is “assigned.”
- In more casual settings, you can simply say “given.”
Keep reading to see how we use our chosen synonyms for “passed down” in some helpful example sentences!
After that, we’ll discuss whether “passed down” is correct and when you can use it.
Assigned (Formal)
If you are looking for a more formal way to say “passed down,” perhaps because you are in a professional setting, we would recommend the word “assigned.”
If something is “assigned” to you, this usually means that someone higher up in your work hierarchy has allocated a task or responsibility to you.
“Assigned” is a better phrase to use than “passed down” at work on account of its professional tone.
Therefore, you can use it when you are speaking to a colleague or junior member of your team. However, it is also a suitable alternative to use when you are reporting to a superior.
Consider the following sample emails to see what we mean:
Dear Oscar,
I believe by now you would have been assigned your new project.
You’re welcome to visit my office this afternoon if you have any questions.
Kind regards,
Samantha
Dear Delia,
Ms. Adebisi has assigned a new account to me this morning, so I have quite a lot of work on my plate.
All the best,
Shaun
Given (Informal)
Another way to say “passed down” is to simply say you’ve been “given” something.
This synonym is diverse and suitable for all kinds of situations. For example, you can use it at work when you want to pass down information to someone else.
However, you can also use it outside of the office. For instance, when a family member has bequeathed some property to you.
“Given” is not a better term than “passed down” per se. However, it can be used far more broadly than the original phrase.
After all, the phrase “passed down” implies that there is some kind of hierarchy between the giver and the receiver.
That’s why you would usually use it when you have received something from a higher-up at work or from an older family member.
On the other hand, something can be “given” to one person by another regardless of the relationship between the two.
Check out how we’ve used this alternative in an out-of-work example:
I was given this broach by my grandfather shortly before he passed away.
Now, let’s see how you might use it in a work email to a colleague:
Hi Paul,
Aleena has given me a new draft to work on.
Could I use your editing software?
Kind regards,
Liam
Is It Correct to Say “Passed Down”?
The phrase “passed down” is perfectly correct and is most suitable for non-work-related circumstances.
This phrase is neither particularly formal nor informal. Therefore, there are certain situations where you will hear it used at work or in formal settings.
For instance, have a look at how to use “passed down” in a sentence for a professional example:
The CEO has passed down some important instructions to me that I will keep confidential for now.
However, this phrase is often used when talking about the passage of items or knowledge from older family members to younger generations.
Therefore, it has rather sentimental connotations.
Nevertheless, if you wish to use the original phrase instead of one of the synonyms from our list, here are a few ways that you might do so:
- Passed down through generations
- Passed down from generation to generation
- Passed down through family
- Passed down by word of mouth
- Passed down to you
We hope you found this article helpful! If you think you might make use of our list of synonyms in the future, go ahead and bookmark this page to keep it on hand!