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Phrasal verbs "hand over" vs "take over"

Differences between hand over and take over

Hand over means to give something to someone else, usually after being asked or required to do so. Take over, on the other hand, means to assume control or responsibility for something that was previously managed by someone else.

Meanings and Definitions: hand over vs take over

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Hand over

  • 1Give.

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

Take over

  • 1Assume control of a company or organisation.

    The bank was TAKEN OVER by a Hong Kong bank that needed to buy a bank to get into the British market.

  • 2Start a job or position that someone had occupied before you.

    She TOOK OVER responsibility for the project last month.

Usage Examples: hand over, take over in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

hand over

Example

Please hand over the documents to the manager.

Example

She hands over the keys to the new tenant.

take over

Example

The new CEO will take over the company next month.

Example

She takes over the project management role from her predecessor.

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 possession of something to someone else.

Example

The CEO decided to turn over the day-to-day operations of the company to his son.

yield to

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

Example

After a long negotiation, the company finally yielded to the union's demands for better working conditions.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take over

assume control

To take charge or become responsible for something that was previously managed by someone else.

Example

After the manager resigned, Jane was asked to assume control of the department.

take charge

To assume responsibility for a situation or task and make decisions about how it should be handled.

Example

When the coach was fired, the assistant coach was asked to take charge of the team.

step into someone's shoes

To take over someone's role or responsibilities when they are no longer able to fulfill them.

Example

After the CEO retired, her successor had to step into her shoes and lead the company.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “hand”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: hand over or take over?

Both hand over and take over are commonly used in everyday conversation. However, hand over is more frequently used in situations where someone is required to give something to another person, such as handing over a document or a set of keys. Take over is more commonly used in situations where someone is assuming control or responsibility for something, such as taking over a project or a company.

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

Hand over and take over are both relatively formal phrases that can be used in a variety of settings, including business, legal, and political contexts. However, they are also suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family.

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

The tone of hand over and take over can differ based on context. Hand over often carries a sense of obligation or compliance, while take over typically has a sense of authority or control.

hand over & take over: Synonyms and Antonyms

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