Learn English – “Turn in” vs. “Hand in”

phrasal-verbsphrase-meaningphrase-usage

In the context of submitting your work to your boss, which is the right phrase to use 'turn in' or 'hand in'? And why? And how are they used differently in other contexts?

Examples:

  1. "He always hands in his work late."
  2. "He always turns in his work late."

Best Answer

In British English, the correct phrase is hand in.

From Macmillan dictionary:

hand in

phrasal verb (transitive)

  1. to give something to a person in authority
    Please hand in your keys when you leave the hotel.
    All essays must be handed in by Tuesday.

In American English, you can use either hand in, or turn in:

turn in

phrasal verb

ᴍᴀɪɴʟʏ ᴀᴍᴇʀɪᴄᴀɴ

  1. to give something to the person who has officially asked for it or who is in charge
    turn in something to someone: Mitro turned in his resignation to the President.

There is a subtle difference between the two - you can turn something in only if it has been specifically asked for (you wouldn't normally talk about turning in your keys as in the "hand in" example, unless perhaps you mistakenly ran off with them and needed to turn them in later) or you are giving the thing to a superior.

So, for example:

  • Please turn in all borrowed equipment
  • When I found a stranger's wallet on the street, I handed it in
  • I have done my homework, and turned it in
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