Differences between hand back and hand over
Hand back means to return something to the person who gave it to you or to its original owner, while hand over means to give something to someone else, often as a result of a demand or request.
Meanings and Definitions: hand back vs hand over
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Hand back
- 1Return.
The police officer checked my licence, then HANDED it BACK.
Hand over
- 1Give.
The robbers told the clerk to HAND OVER all the money.
Usage Examples: hand back, hand over in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
hand back
Example
Please hand back the pen when you're done using it.
Example
She always hands back the books she borrows on time.
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 Hand back
To give something back to its original owner or place.
Example
I need to return this book to the library before it's due.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hand over
give up
To relinquish or surrender something to someone else.
Example
The thief was forced to give up the stolen goods to the police.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “back”
- change back
- push back
- step back
- kick back
- die back
Phrasal Verbs with “over”
Differences in hand back vs hand over: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: hand back or hand over?
In daily conversation, people use hand over more often than hand back. This is because hand over is used in a wider range of situations, such as giving something to someone in authority or transferring ownership. Hand back is less common and usually used in specific situations where something has been borrowed or taken temporarily.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of hand back and hand over
Hand back and hand over are both informal phrases that can be used in casual conversations. However, hand over can also be used in more formal settings like business or legal contexts, especially when referring to transferring ownership or control of something.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of hand back and hand over
The tone of hand back and hand over can differ based on context. Hand back often carries a polite or apologetic tone when returning something, while hand over can have a more serious or confrontational tone, especially when referring to surrendering something to someone in authority.
