turn in

USAGE SUMMARY

"turn in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to mean to submit something (like an assignment, application, or paperwork) to someone. Example: I need to turn in my project tomorrow.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Turn in your jersey.

The New York Times

First to turn in.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Reaches Turn in 39.

The New York Times

We turn in early.

The Guardian - Travel

Turn in his grave?

The Guardian - Music

"I'll turn in the records," he said.

The New Yorker

(Cinnabon gets its turn in Episode 2).

The New York Times - Arts

The wind-turbines turn in the breeze.

The Economist

Why the wrong turn in policy?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Corner turn-in tongues.

Yale University

I'm looking at turn-in rates.

International Journal of STEM Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turn in" to mean submitting something, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being submitted and to whom.

Common error

Avoid using "turn in" interchangeably with phrasal verbs like "turn on" or "turn off", which have completely different meanings related to activation and deactivation, not submission or reporting.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "turn in" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring an object (something or someone being turned in). It has multiple meanings including to submit something, to report someone to the authorities, or to retire to bed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turn in" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings: submitting something, reporting someone, or going to bed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its neutral register and widespread use across various contexts, including academia, news media, and informal conversations, make it a common and valuable part of the English lexicon. Remember to choose the right synonym, like "submit" or ""go to bed"", based on your intended meaning for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hand in

This phrase is a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of physically giving something.

Submit

This alternative offers a more formal way of expressing the act of handing something in.

Give oneself up

Specifically refers to surrendering oneself to law enforcement.

Go to bed

Specifically refers to the action of retiring for sleep.

Report to the authorities

Specifically refers to informing law enforcement about someone's actions.

Deliver

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

Retire for the night

A more formal way of saying 'go to bed'.

Report

Focuses on conveying information or denouncing someone to authorities.

Surrender

Implies giving up something, often under duress or unwillingly.

Give up

Similar to 'surrender,' but can also mean ceasing effort.

FAQs

How to use "turn in" in a sentence?

You can use "turn in" to mean submitting something, like "I need to turn in my assignment tomorrow". It can also mean reporting someone to the authorities, as in "He decided to "report" his neighbor for illegal dumping", or retiring to bed, such as "I think I'll "go to bed" early tonight".

What can I say instead of "turn in"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "submit", "hand in", ""report"", or ""go to bed"".

What is the difference between "turn in" and "hand in"?

"Turn in" and "hand in" are often used interchangeably to mean submitting something. However, "turn in" can also mean to go to bed or to report someone to the authorities, whereas "hand in" usually refers only to physical submission.

Is it correct to say "turn in myself"?

No, it's more common and grammatically correct to say "turn myself in". This phrase means to surrender to the authorities.