hands them over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hands them over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of giving or transferring something to someone else. Example: "After the meeting, she hands them over to the project manager for review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

When he asks for the letters back, Fleming tries to come up with a cutting remark but can't, and hands them over without comment.

The New Yorker

When a customer buys a kilogram of bananas or half a kilo of apples from him, he hands them over in a plastic bag.

The New York Times

When the custodian is persuaded by argument that it is his duty to surrender them and he hands them over, duress and coercion will not be so readily implied as where private papers are involved.

Cornell University

If it hands them over, the Swiss bank will set a highly significant precedent not only for its rivals in Switzerland but for banks in tax havens around the world which operate in the US.

The Guardian - Business

Facebook now effectively hands them over to those potential problems".

BBC

Jack, not being rude, hands them over and almost bolts for the gate.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Will Damascus hand them over for questioning?

The Guardian

Those possessing ammunition or weapons handed them over to us.

The Guardian

So you hand them over to a partnership — the S.P.E.

The New Yorker

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hands them over", ensure the context clearly indicates both the item being transferred and the recipient to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify: "She hands the documents over to the lawyer".

Common error

Avoid using "hands them over" when the referent of "them" is unclear. This can lead to confusion. Instead, explicitly state what is being handed over: "hands the responsibility over" rather than just "hands them over".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hands them over" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it’s usage in diverse scenarios where an item or responsibility is physically or figuratively passed from one entity to another.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hands them over" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrasal verb that effectively conveys the transfer of items or responsibilities. Ludwig AI confirms that its semantic meaning is well understood in many contexts.

It is most frequently found in news and media sources. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what "them" refers to. Consider "turns them over", "delivers them" or "passes them on" as potential alternatives to add nuance or formality based on your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turns them over

This alternative emphasizes a more formal or official transfer of responsibility or control.

passes them on

Suggests a less formal transfer, often implying a continuation of a process or task.

delivers them

Emphasizes the act of transporting and providing something to someone.

relinquishes them

Implies a reluctant or forced surrender of something previously held.

surrenders them

Suggests a forced or unwilling transfer of something, often to an enemy or authority.

transfers possession

This is a formal way to express a legal or official change of ownership.

gives them up

Suggests a surrender, often implying defeat or resignation.

assigns them

Highlights the act of delegating or allocating something to someone.

cedes them

Implies a formal or legal transfer of territory or rights.

bestows them

Implies giving something as a gift or honor, often in a ceremonial way.

FAQs

What does "hands them over" mean?

The phrase "hands them over" means to physically give or transfer something to someone else. It can also imply a transfer of responsibility or control.

What can I say instead of "hands them over"?

You can use alternatives like "turns them over", "delivers them", or "passes them on" depending on the context.

Is "hands them over" formal or informal?

The phrase "hands them over" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal options like "transfers possession" may be preferred in some situations.

How do I use "hands them over" in a sentence?

To use "hands them over" effectively, ensure the object and recipient are clear. For example: "The police hands the evidence over to the prosecutor" or "She hands the keys over to her roommate".