be turned over to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be turned over to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where something or someone is handed over to another person or authority, often in legal or formal situations. Example: "The evidence will be turned over to the authorities for further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

On completion, each segment is to be turned over to New York City.

The New York Times

He hopes that they might be turned over to him.

The New Yorker

"That money would be turned over to Madoff.

The New York Times - Sports

They would be turned over to ORHA to be paid.

The New York Times - Magazine

Otherwise, he would be turned over to the police.

The New York Times - Magazine

Government-owned media should be turned over to private ownership.

The New York Times

On the ground, passengers can be turned over to airport authorities.

The New York Times - Travel

Some responsibilities, like training Afghan security forces, could also be turned over to contractors.

The New York Times

The corsage should be turned over to Miss Y no later than 1800 hrs.

The New Yorker

Half-empty first-class carriages can be turned over to hoi polloi.

The Economist

Goldin also revealed that space shuttle operations would be turned over to a single private contractor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be turned over to", ensure the context clearly identifies both the entity relinquishing control and the entity receiving it for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be turned over to" in a way that obscures who is performing the action. Specify who is responsible for the turning over to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be turned over to" functions as a passive construction, indicating the transfer of something (an object, responsibility, or person) from one entity to another. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in contexts involving legal proceedings, handover of property, or delegation of responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be turned over to" is a common passive construction used to describe the act of formally transferring something from one entity to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media, but is not limited to any single register, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. To ensure clarity in writing, it's essential to specify both the entity relinquishing control and the entity receiving it. Alternatives like ""be handed over to"" or ""be transferred to"" can be used depending on the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be handed over to

Focuses on the physical act of transferring something.

be transferred to

Emphasizes the movement from one place or entity to another.

be passed on to

Suggests a sequential transfer, often of information or a task.

be ceded to

Implies a formal relinquishing of control or territory.

be relinquished to

Highlights the act of giving up something, often unwillingly.

be entrusted to

Focuses on the trust placed in the recipient.

be assigned to

Emphasizes the delegation of a task or responsibility.

be conveyed to

Suggests a formal or legal transfer.

be surrendered to

Implies a forced or compelled transfer of control.

be delivered to

Highlights the act of bringing something to a specific location or person.

FAQs

How can I use "be turned over to" in a sentence?

Use "be turned over to" when something, like evidence or responsibility, is being transferred to another party. For example, "The evidence will be "handed over to" the police."

What are some alternatives to "be turned over to"?

Alternatives include "be handed over to", "be transferred to", or "be ceded to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be turned over to" or "hand over to"?

"Be turned over to" is passive, focusing on the receiver, while "hand over to" is active, focusing on the giver. The best choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize in your sentence.

What is the difference between "be turned over to" and "be given to"?

"Be given to" is a more general term for transferring possession. "Be turned over to" often implies a formal or official transfer, especially to an authority or organization.