turned it over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turned it over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as when discussing flipping an object or changing a situation. Example: "After examining the document, she turned it over to see if there was any additional information on the back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Garand turned it over in her hands.

The New Yorker

"We turned it over way too much".

The New York Times - Sports

"Then I turned it over to them.

The New York Times

I turned it over and voilà!

The New York Times - Tech

Then she turned it over to Eskew.

The New York Times - Magazine

She turned it over to him, angrily.

The New Yorker

I just turned it over and they capitalized on it".

The New York Times - Sports

Airline officials turned it over to F.B.I. agents.

The New York Times

He picked it up, turned it over, then shook it.

The New Yorker

Apparently, a Unionist telegrapher turned it over to the enemy.

The New York Times

As good as the Rams are, they turned it over".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports contexts, "turned it over" often means losing possession of the ball. For example, "The team "turned it over" several times in the final quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "turned it over" when describing situations where a return to the original state is impossible. For instance, don't say "He "turned it over" to his childhood" when the intended meaning is he recalled or reflected on his childhood. In this case, "reminisced about" would be a more appropriate choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turned it over" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, often used to describe the action of physically rotating an object or transferring possession of something. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turned it over" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, including physical rotation, transfer of responsibility, and loss of possession. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and general conversation. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to consider the context to avoid misapplication. Remember, while alternatives like "flipped it" or "handed it over" exist, the choice depends on the intended nuance. Be mindful of the context to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flipped it

Emphasizes a quick, physical action of reversing something.

handed it over

Focuses on the act of transferring possession or responsibility.

gave it away

Implies losing possession, often due to a mistake or turnover.

passed it on

Highlights the act of transferring something to another person or entity.

relinquished control of it

Formally indicates giving up control or management.

yielded possession

Focuses on the act of losing or surrendering something.

surrendered it

Emphasizes a more forceful or unwilling transfer of possession.

transferred it

A general term for moving something from one place or person to another.

reversed it

Focuses on the action of changing something to its opposite.

overturned it

Implies a complete reversal or annulment of something, often in a legal or political context.

FAQs

How can I use "turned it over" in a sentence?

You can use "turned it over" to describe physically flipping an object, as in "He "turned it over" in his hands to inspect it more closely". It can also mean losing possession of something, such as in sports: "The quarterback "turned it over" on the final play".

What are some alternatives to "turned it over" when referring to physical objects?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "flipped it", "rotated it", or "reversed it".

When is it appropriate to use "handed it over" instead of "turned it over"?

"Handed it over" is more appropriate when you mean to transfer responsibility or ownership, as in "She "handed it over" to the authorities". "Turned it over" is best for physical rotation or losing possession.

What does "turned it over" mean in a sports context?

In sports, "turned it over" usually means to lose possession of the ball or puck to the opposing team, often due to a mistake or error. For instance, "The team "gave it away" multiple times in the second half".