ENGLISH
REFERENCE

handed

v.
A2 Elementary US //ˈhændəd// UK //hˈændɪd// hand·ed Archaic Informal

v. to give something to someone using your hand. It is a direct way of passing an object to another person.

v. to pass or deliver something to another person manually. Often used with a double object construction or the preposition 'to'.


SIMPLE

She handed the keys to her brother.

CONTEXTUAL

The waiter handed me the menu and asked if I wanted anything to drink while I waited.

COMPLEX

After reviewing the signed documents, the lawyer handed the original copies back to the client for safekeeping in a private vault.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From hand + -ed.

Usage

The verb is transitive; it can take a direct object and an indirect object ('handed him the book') or use 'to' ('handed the book to him').

Pitfall

He handed to me the letterHe handed me the letterWhen the indirect object (me) comes before the direct object (the letter), do not use the preposition 'to'.

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