improperly handed in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improperly handed in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been submitted in a way that does not meet the required standards or procedures. Example: "The assignment was improperly handed in, leading to a deduction in points."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The New York Times reported that the reason for overturning the original decision was "an improperly handed sample".

The Guardian - Sport

The post became vacant in April when Gerard Gormley, a brother of state Senator William L. Gormley, a Republican of Atlantic County, resigned amid charges of improperly handing out passes to boxing events.

The New York Times

Were the US to charge Mr Assange with espionage, prosecutors would have to prove Mr Assange was aware the leaks could harm US national security, or show he had a hand in improperly obtaining them from the government.

BBC

She had derived this notion from the official Red Cross instruction manual but had neglected to read the entire sentence, which runs. "A touniquet is a dangerous weapon when used improperly, or in the hands of an unskilled person".

The New Yorker

The documents also allege that two other men were handed a 4centt shareholding in the company when its rightful owners were improperly erased from its records.

The Times

The reader struggles with this evil in life, he sees benefits improperly distributed, and then he is handed a timid book, mauled by the editors.

The New York Times

Staff handling animals improperly, including hand-catching animals by their tail.

HuffPost

The point of such legislation is to take the case out of federal jurisdiction and improperly place it in the hands of a Florida family court.

The New York Times

That goes hand in hand".

The New York Times - Sports

"Those go hand in hand.

The New York Times - Tech

Hand in Hand Again.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "improperly handed in", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes proper submission. This helps avoid ambiguity about the reason for the submission being considered improper.

Common error

Avoid using "improperly handed in" without specifying the proper procedure or requirements. Failing to do so leaves the reader guessing why the submission was deemed incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improperly handed in" functions as an adverbial modifier specifying how something was submitted. The adverb "improperly" modifies the verb "handed", indicating the action was performed incorrectly, thus describing the manner of the submission. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "improperly handed in" describes a submission that does not meet the required standards or procedures. While grammatically correct, Ludwig confirms, it is not a frequently used phrase. Alternative phrasings such as "incorrectly submitted" or "inadequately submitted", are available to express similar meanings. When using this phrase, clarity and context are important to avoid ambiguity. Though rated as grammatically correct, its rare usage makes it beneficial to consider alternative phrasings for improved clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incorrectly submitted

Focuses on the act of submitting being done the wrong way.

inadequately submitted

Highlights the submission as deficient or insufficient.

wrongly turned in

Emphasizes the incorrect method of turning something in.

submitted with errors

Specifies that the submission contains mistakes.

submitted non-compliantly

Highlights a lack of adherence to specified rules or guidelines during submission.

deficiently submitted

Similar to inadequately submitted but places more emphasis on lack of quality.

badly submitted

General term for a poor submission.

erroneously turned in

Focuses on mistakes when submitting or turning something in.

carelessly submitted

Highlights a lack of care and attention in the submission process.

unacceptably submitted

Suggests that the submission is not good enough for acceptance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "improperly handed in"?

Alternatives include "incorrectly submitted", "inadequately submitted", or "wrongly turned in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "improperly handed in" mean?

It means something was submitted in a way that doesn't meet the required standards, guidelines, or procedures. The submission was incorrect or deficient in some manner.

Is "improperly handed in" formal or informal?

The phrase is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language may be preferred in formal settings. For example, "submitted non-compliantly" might be more suitable in formal contexts.

Can "improperly handed in" apply to physical and digital submissions?

Yes, it can refer to both physical documents or items handed in incorrectly, as well as digital submissions that fail to meet specific electronic requirements.