turned it in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turned it in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has submitted an assignment, report, or document to a teacher, supervisor, or authority. Example: "I completed my research paper and turned it in before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She turned it in to authorities during a gun amnesty program.

The New York Times - Books

She wept when she learned that her latest paramour, a Union spy posing as a Confederate soldier, had tricked her into giving him a letter intended for Stonewall Jackson and turned it in as evidence.

The New York Times

Around that time, the Nassau County Police Department said that it had contacted Mr. Roth about a licensed gun that he owned and that he voluntarily turned it in on July 21.

The New York Times

He was initially so dissatisfied with the first draft that he turned it in with a pseudonym; Vance Jericho.

Wikipedia

Meyer, who was facing some psychological difficulties while writing the episode, felt so dissatisfied with the episode's first draft that he turned it in with a pseudonym.

Wikipedia

Phil Wynn, a councillor and life-long fan, said the club had hit "rock bottom" with Tuesday's cash appeal but had turned it in to an "amazing day" in its history.

BBC

Killen turned it in to his agent in May 2008.

The Guardian - Film

So I turned it in and kinda forgot about it.

The Guardian - Film

I never found the passport that I lost and no one ever turned it in.

The New York Times

And then once I finally turned it in, I feel like it fell on deaf ears".

The New York Times

But instead of pocketing the money, the lawmakers turned it in, the leaders said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turned it in" when you want to express the action of submitting something, especially when the context is informal or general. For example, "I finished the report and turned it in yesterday."

Common error

Avoid using overly formal alternatives like "submitted" in casual conversation. "Turned it in" is often more appropriate for everyday contexts. Over-formality can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turned it in" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive one. It requires a direct object ("it") and describes the action of submitting or delivering something. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is frequently used in contexts where tasks, items, or documents are being handed over.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "turned it in" is a common and generally neutral way to express the act of submitting or returning something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news, media and informal contexts. While more formal alternatives like "submitted it" exist, "turned it in" remains a versatile and easily understood option for many situations. When writing, be aware of the register and context to choose the most appropriate phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submitted it

A more formal alternative, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

handed it over

Implies a physical transfer of an object or document.

submitted the work

More specific when referring to assignments or projects.

gave it in

A less formal, more colloquial alternative.

lodged it

Common in legal or official contexts, referring to documents or claims.

filed it

Used when referring to official documents or reports.

returned it

Indicates that something was given back.

delivered it

Focuses on the act of transporting and providing the item.

presented it

Emphasizes the act of showing or displaying something formally.

relinquished it

Suggests giving something up, often unwillingly.

FAQs

What does "turned it in" mean?

"Turned it in" means to have submitted something, like an assignment, report, or lost item, to an authority or designated recipient.

What can I say instead of "turned it in"?

You can use alternatives like "submitted it", "handed it over", or "returned it" depending on the context.

Is "turned it in" formal or informal?

"Turned it in" is generally considered informal to neutral. For more formal situations, consider using "submitted it".

How to use "turned it in" in a sentence?

You can use "turned it in" in a sentence like, "I finished my essay and turned it in before the deadline" or "He found the lost wallet and turned it in to the police".