hand over

USAGE SUMMARY

"hand over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to signify a transfer of something from one person to another, either voluntarily or involuntarily. For example: "The police officer demanded that the suspect handed over the stolen wallet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I hand over a few forkfuls.

The New York Times

We do not hand over Libyan citizens.

The Guardian

Now they hand over to "LUX-Zeplin".

The Guardian

"Hand over," Dr Lenz says.

BBC

Rockhold was resigned to hand over praise.

Los Angeles Times

I'll just hand over my phone.

Huffington Post

Cash On Hand: OVER (SHORT).

WikiHow

Hand over hand, I climbed.

BBC

Please hand over $1.00".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Call it the hand-over-fist method.

The New York Times

Hand-over-fist profitable.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hand over" when you want to emphasize the act of transferring something, whether physically or figuratively. For instance, "Hand over the keys" implies a direct and immediate transfer.

Common error

Avoid using "hand over" when a more nuanced term like "delegate" or "transfer" would be more appropriate. "Hand over" often implies a simple, direct action, not a complex process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hand over" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It describes an action involving the transfer of something, whether tangible or intangible, from one entity to another. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from physical objects to power and control. Ludwig AI confirms this use is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "hand over" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of transferring possession or control. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's most frequently encountered in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in formality, it can convey a sense of authority or urgency. Be mindful of the context to ensure it's the most appropriate choice compared to similar terms like "transfer" or "cede".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn over

A more general term for transferring possession, often used for physical objects.

relinquish control

Focuses on the act of giving up control, implying a formal or official context.

yield control

Similar to relinquish, but can also imply a temporary transfer of control.

transfer ownership

Specifically refers to the act of changing who owns something.

cede possession

A formal term suggesting a legal or official transfer of ownership.

pass on

Suggests a less forceful or more casual transfer, often within a group.

surrender possession

Indicates a forced or unwilling transfer of something valuable.

give up

Implies surrender or conceding defeat, adding an emotional dimension.

give away

Implies giving something without expecting anything in return, such as a secret or possession.

deliver up

An older, more formal term for handing something over, often used in legal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "hand over" in a sentence?

You can use "hand over" to describe the act of giving something to someone, often under duress. For example, "The robber told him to "hand over" his wallet".

What's a less forceful alternative to "hand over"?

If you want a less demanding tone, consider using phrases like "pass on" or "transfer" depending on the context. These options suggest a more voluntary action.

When is it appropriate to use "hand over"?

"Hand over" is suitable when there's a clear transfer of something from one party to another, especially when authority or obligation is involved. It is appropriate in commands, requests, or descriptions of such actions.

What's the difference between "hand over" and "give"?

"Give" is a general term for transferring something, while "hand over" often implies a more formal or even reluctant transfer. Saying ""hand over" the documents" suggests more urgency or authority than "give me the documents".