turn them in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turn them in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in an academic or professional context to refer to submitting assignments, reports, or documents. Example: "Please make sure to turn them in by the deadline to receive full credit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Drivers who turn them in are "going through an interview process to determine what their needs are," Mrs. Schmit said.

The New York Times

It's, like, nobody wants to be a snitch, nobody wants to turn them in, because then, it may cause me a problem.

Forbes

They're all waiting to hear about this dentist who will turn them in for cash.

Vice

Turn them in the flour until covered.

The Guardian - Books

They think I'd turn them in.

The New York Times

"Now I just turn them in".

The New York Times

Turn them in, no questions asked.

The New Yorker

People fill out their cards, turn them in.

The New York Times

Use a skimmer to turn them in the syrup, until they are thoroughly soaked.

Independent

And once the forms are filled out, ACORN has to turn them in.

The Economist

"I turn them in the air before I put the ball down.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "turn them in" in academic writing, ensure clarity by specifying who or what is receiving the items. For example, instead of simply writing "turn them in", specify "turn them in to the professor" or "turn the assignments in to the submission portal."

Common error

Avoid using "turn them in" without specifying what "them" refers to. Always ensure the context makes it clear what items are being submitted or reported to prevent confusion. If the context doesn't make it clear, explicitly state what is being turned in.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn them in" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the action of submitting something or reporting someone. Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts ranging from handing in assignments to reporting illegal activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

27%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turn them in" is a common phrasal verb used to describe the act of submitting something or reporting someone. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media. While relatively informal, it can be used in a variety of contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider using more formal alternatives like "submit them" in professional settings. Overall, "turn them in" is a versatile phrase with two main interpretations, making it essential to consider context for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submit them

This alternative directly replaces the idiomatic phrase with a more straightforward verb, focusing on the act of presenting something for review.

hand them over

This alternative emphasizes the physical act of transferring possession or control of items to someone else.

report them

This option shifts the focus to informing authorities or relevant parties about something or someone.

surrender them

This alternative implies a forced or voluntary relinquishment of possession, often to an authority.

deliver them

This emphasizes the act of transporting items to a final destination or recipient.

present them

This alternative focuses on formally introducing or offering something for consideration.

lodge them

This term is more formal and suggests officially filing or registering something, such as a complaint or document.

give them in

A more literal and less common way of expressing the same action, emphasizing the act of giving something for submission.

yield them

This suggests a reluctant or forced giving up of something, often under pressure or compulsion.

remit them

A more formal term often used in financial contexts, referring to sending or transmitting money or documents.

FAQs

What does "turn them in" mean?

The phrase "turn them in" generally means to submit something, like an assignment or report, to an authority or designated recipient. It can also mean to report someone to the authorities.

What can I say instead of "turn them in"?

You can use alternatives like "submit them", "hand them over", or "report them" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "submit them" or "turn them in" in formal writing?

While both are correct, "submit them" is generally considered more formal and appropriate for academic or professional contexts, whereas "turn them in" is slightly more informal.

When is it appropriate to use "turn them in" to mean reporting someone?

Using "turn them in" to mean reporting someone is appropriate when you are informing authorities about illegal or unethical activities. For instance, "She decided to turn them in after discovering their fraudulent scheme".