handed them over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "handed them over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation in which someone gives something to someone else, often in exchange for something else. For example: "The witness handed the police officer the documents they had requested, and they handed him over five hundred dollars in exchange."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

According to Mr Peston, News International executives found the emails in 2007 but only handed them over to police last month.

The Economist

Those possessing ammunition or weapons handed them over to us.

The Guardian

"We just handed them over," the Georgian official said.

The New York Times

"Once I handed them over... it was out of my hands," she added.

Independent

Here are the plans for Ebbets Field.' And I handed them over".

The New Yorker

"There were kids on the boat, they handed them over to us.

Independent

They all ran after the farmer's wife, who handed them over to the RSPCA.

Independent

The Afghan soldiers handed them over to the American soldiers in the base at Khost.

The New York Times

Another took off his socks and handed them over, along with a $20 bill.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Their would-be rescuers concluded that they were spies and handed them over to the dreaded Kempetei military police.

The New York Times

Mandy dug in her bag, plucked some bills out, and handed them over.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation. "Handed them over" can imply a neutral transfer, a forced surrender, or an act of betrayal, depending on the surrounding context.

Common error

Avoid using "handed them over" when a more nuanced verb is appropriate. For instance, "donated", "gifted", or "surrendered" might better convey the specific intent behind the transfer. Overuse may result in ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "handed them over" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a transitive phrasal verb. It signifies the action of transferring possession or control of something (or someone) from one party to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "handed them over" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of transferring something from one party to another. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts. The phrase's specific connotation (neutral, forced, or treacherous) depends on the surrounding narrative. While commonly found in news and media, its usage extends to encyclopedias and wikis. Writers should be mindful of the specific intent behind the transfer and consider alternative verbs for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transferred custody

Focuses specifically on the transfer of responsibility or care, especially in legal or formal contexts.

relinquished possession

Emphasizes giving up control or ownership, often implying a formal or reluctant surrender.

passed them on

Suggests a simple, informal transfer, often as part of a chain or sequence.

turned them in

Implies reporting something or someone to authorities, often with a sense of duty or obligation.

gave them away

Suggests giving something freely, often without expecting anything in return.

yielded control

Highlights the act of surrendering power or authority over something.

submitted the items

Implies a formal process of providing something for review or approval.

consigned the goods

Focuses on entrusting items to someone for sale or safekeeping.

delivered the package

Emphasizes the act of bringing something to its intended recipient.

surrendered the assets

Specifically refers to giving up valuable possessions, often under duress.

FAQs

How can I use "handed them over" in a sentence?

You can use "handed them over" to describe the act of giving something to someone else. For example, "The police "handed them over" to the authorities."

What are some alternatives to "handed them over"?

Alternatives include "passed them on", "turned them in", or "gave them away" depending on the context.

Is there a subtle difference in meaning between "handed them over" and "gave them"?

"Handed them over" implies a more direct or formal transfer than "gave them". "Gave them" is a more general term.

Can "handed them over" imply a negative action?

Yes, depending on the context. For example, "The soldiers "handed them over" to the enemy" implies a betrayal or negative outcome.