# hand on

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hand-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to give something to another person after you have used it or finished with it.

For teachers: to pass an object, responsibility, or information to a successor or the next person in a sequence; often implies a transition of ownership or duty.

## Examples

- Please hand on the book when you finish reading it.
- The retiring manager will hand on her responsibilities to the new director over the next two weeks.
- Traditional weaving techniques are handed on from one generation to the next to ensure the craft survives in the modern era.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He hand on the torch." but "He handed on the torch." — the verb 'hand' must be conjugated for the correct tense, just like any regular verb.

## Usage notes

- often used with 'to' to indicate the recipient of the item or task.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'hand in' (giving to an authority) and 'hand out' (distributing to many); 'hand on' emphasizes a chain or sequence of possession.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.