Differences between carry over and hand over

Carry over means to transfer or continue something from one time or place to another, while hand over means to give something to someone else, usually after being asked or required to do so.

Meanings and Definitions: carry over vs hand over

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Carry over

1Continue past a certain point.
The meeting CARRIED OVER into the afternoon because there was so much to talk about.

Hand over

1Give.
The robbers told the clerk to HAND OVER all the money.

Usage Examples: carry over, hand over in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

carry over

Example

The meeting carried over into the afternoon.

Example

The discussion carries over to the next day.

hand over

Example

Please hand over the documents to the manager.

Example

She hands over the keys to the new tenant.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Carry over

continue on

To persist or extend beyond a particular point or period.

Example

The success of the project continued on into the next quarter, generating even more revenue.

extend into

To stretch or prolong something into a later time or period.

Example

The deadline for the report was extended into the following week due to unforeseen circumstances.

roll over

To carry forward or transfer something to a later time or period.

Example

Unused vacation days can be rolled over to the next year, allowing employees to take longer breaks.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hand over

give up

To relinquish or surrender something to someone else.

Example

He had to give up his seat on the bus to an elderly woman who was standing.

turn over

To transfer or give control or ownership of something to someone else.

Example

The CEO decided to turn over the company to his son after retiring.

yield to

To give way or submit to someone else's authority or demands.

Example

The suspect finally yielded to the police after a long standoff.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “carry”

Phrasal Verbs with “hand”

Phrasal Verbs with “over”

Differences in carry over vs hand over: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: carry over or hand over?

In daily conversation, people use hand over more often than carry over. This is because hand over is used for a variety of situations such as giving someone an object, transferring ownership, or surrendering control. Carry over is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about continuing something from one period to another. So, while both phrases are used, hand over is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of carry over and hand over

Carry over and hand over are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of carry over and hand over

The tone of carry over and hand over can differ based on context. Carry over often carries a neutral or positive tone when related to continuing something beneficial or enjoyable, while hand over typically has a serious or negative tone, especially when referring to surrendering control or authority.

carry over & hand over: Synonyms and Antonyms

Carry over

Synonyms

Antonyms

end
cease
stop
halt
terminate
conclude
finish

Hand over

Synonyms

Antonyms