Grammar fix
hand down
pass to the next generation
to give or leave something, such as knowledge, traditions, or possessions, to people who come after you, especially younger family members or future generations.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- My grandmother handed down her wedding ring to my mother, and one day it will be mine.family
- In many cultures, important values and customs are handed down through generations, which helps to preserve a sense of identity.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: hand something down (to someone)
WrongThese skills were handed down to next generations.
RightThese skills were handed down to the next generation.
Usually 'the next generation' (singular), or the set phrase 'from generation to generation'.
Patternhand something down (to someone)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Hand down' is the natural verb for passing things to later generations. 'Transmitted through successive generations' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
hand downa traditionan heirloomstoriesthe recipe
Don't confuse it
Unlike the basic sense of 'hand' (to give something directly), 'hand down' always involves passing something to the next generation or future group, not just giving it to someone nearby.