turn me over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turn me over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is asking to be flipped or rotated, often in a physical sense or metaphorically in a discussion. Example: "After reading the first side of the paper, please turn me over to see the other side."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Captain Lipsky said he'd turn me over to Miss Belknap, and departed.

The New Yorker

He told them, 'If you want to do me properly, turn me over so my other side gets done'.

The Guardian - Travel

They had decided not to kill me but to turn me over to the police when the woman remembered that she had changed her hiding place the day before, and she found the money there, intact.

The New Yorker

CDs end in silence, but the scratch and click of the centre groove on an LP is a nagging call to action: get up, turn me over, or choose something else.

The Guardian - Music

Although Lawrence was probably beheaded, Bishop St. Ambrose of Milan and the Latin poet Prudentius, among others, recorded that he was roasted to death on a gridiron, remarking to his torturers at one point, "I am cooked on that side; turn me over, and eat".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Saint Michael's scales, with their diminutive cargo of cringing humans, go up and down, while the griddle that cooked Saint Lawrence glows like the bars of an electric fire (he supposedly said: "You can turn me over now, this side's done").

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

England turned me over".

The Guardian

After a few days, the Pakistanis turned me over to American officials.

The New York Times

When he turned me over, he saw my face and he stopped".

The New York Times

"The mortgage company is turning me over to their attorneys," he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Kaminoff turned me over to Rebecca Runze, a sales representative for Swiss Masai, the company that makes the Masai Barefoot Technology.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turn me over" when a physical rotation or flip is needed, especially if it will be done by another person.

Common error

Avoid using "turn me over" when you mean "hand me over" unless a physical rotation is also implied. The phrase has a specific meaning and should not be used interchangeably with other transfer-related verbs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn me over" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, often used in imperative sentences. It conveys a direct request or instruction for someone to rotate or transfer someone or something. Ludwig provides examples illustrating both literal and figurative usages.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "turn me over" is a versatile expression used to request a physical rotation or the transfer of something. Ludwig highlights that the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in several contexts, mostly in News & Media sources. The choice between "turn me over" and its alternatives, such as "flip me" or ""hand me over"", depends on the specific meaning and formality required. When incorporating this phrase, considering the context and potential connotations is crucial to ensure clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flip me

A more informal and direct synonym for asking someone to physically rotate you.

rotate me

A more technical or precise term for changing orientation.

hand me over

Implies transferring custody or responsibility.

give me a turn

Suggests allowing someone a chance or opportunity.

betray me

Conveys the sense of being handed over to an enemy or someone untrustworthy.

deliver me

Indicates being transferred or rescued.

surrender me

Implies a formal transfer of control or possession.

abandon me

Emphasizes being left to someone or something, often in a negative way.

leave me to them

Suggests being left in the care or control of others, possibly unwillingly.

release me into their custody

A formal way of saying someone is being handed over to the care of someone else.

FAQs

How can I use "turn me over" in a sentence?

The phrase "turn me over" can be used when asking someone to physically rotate you, such as when sunbathing or cooking. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate a transfer of responsibility or information. For example, "The detective will "hand me over" to the authorities."

What does "turn me over" mean in a legal context?

In a legal context, "turn me over" can mean to surrender someone to the custody of law enforcement or another authority. This often implies a formal process and transfer of responsibility.

What can I say instead of "turn me over" when referring to a document?

When referring to a document, you can use alternatives like "flip me", "rotate me", or "look at the other side" to indicate you want the other side of the paper viewed.

Is "turn me over" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "turn me over" can sound informal depending on the context. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "transfer custody of me" or "deliver me to" for a more professional tone.