Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding 'Hand Down': Meaning & Usage

"Wisdom is best handed down through generations, a tapestry woven by ancestors' lessons and carried forward by descendants' curiosity."

📖 Definition

To pass something from one generation to another, especially relating to knowledge, traditions, or possessions. Also used in legal contexts, referring to decisions or judgments.

Examples in context

The quilt was handed down through five generations, each adding their own stitch.
The old stories were handed down by word of mouth, preserving cultural heritage.
Every summer, fishing techniques are handed down from the elders to the young ones.

📖 Definition

To pass something from one generation to another, especially relating to knowledge, traditions, or possessions. Also used in legal contexts, referring to decisions or judgments.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can come between or after the verb.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	hand down	They hand down family recipes through generations.
Past Simple	handed down	The traditions were handed down from the elders.
Present Continuous	handing down	She is handing down her jewelry collection to her granddaughter.
Present Perfect	have handed down	We have handed down these stories for decades.

💡 When to Use

Passing traditions or objects

Use when talking about giving traditional or heirloom items to the next generation.

Example: "She handed down the antique necklace to her daughter."

Legally passing judgment

Use when referring to a judge's decision being communicated or recorded.

Example: "The court handed down a historic ruling today."

Transmitting knowledge or skills

Use for situations where knowledge or skills are taught over generations.

Example: "They handed down fishing techniques through the family."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: They handed the tradition down.

✅ Correct: They handed down the tradition.

💡 Tip: Place the object after 'hand down' or between them.

Confusing with 'hand over'

❌ Wrong: They hand over their beliefs.

✅ Correct: They hand down their beliefs.

💡 Tip: 'Hand down' is for passing on traditions.

Using intransitively

❌ Wrong: They handed down yesterday.

✅ Correct: They handed down the verdict yesterday.

💡 Tip: Remember 'hand down' needs an object.

Practice

HAND DOWN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The quilt was handed down through five generations, each adding their own stitch.
Bridging The Distance
2
Listen to example

The old stories were handed down by word of mouth, preserving cultural heritage.
Bridging The Distance
3
Listen to example

Every summer, fishing techniques are handed down from the elders to the young ones.
Bridging The Distance

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

pass on bequeath

Antonyms

withhold

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The court ___ a significant judgment last week."

hand

hand down

handing

hands

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hand Down

What is the origin of hand down?

The phrase 'hand down' originated from the idea of passing items physically down through generations, like heirlooms or skills, beginning in the 19th century. It's often linked to family and community traditions being physically or metaphorically passed from hand to hand, ensuring cultural continuity.

Can hand down be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'hand down' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Formally, it is used in legal proceedings to refer to rulings or judgments. Informally, it is often used to describe the transmission of traditions, skills, or stories within families or communities.

What is the difference between hand down and pass on?

While both phrasal verbs relate to transferring something, 'hand down' often implies a generational transfer or legal decision, focusing on continuity and inheritance. 'Pass on' is broader, used generally for sharing information or physical objects without the generational or legal emphasis.

Browse All Bridging The Distance Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

HAND DOWN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hand Down

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega