What are the definitions of “hand over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Give.
The robbers told the clerk to HAND OVER all the money.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hand over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hand over is to give something to someone, usually by physically passing it from one person to another. It can be used in various situations, such as giving an item to someone, transferring responsibility, or surrendering something.
What are the different verb forms of “hand over”?
| Root Verb | hand over |
| Third Person Singular Present | hands over |
| Present Participle | handing over |
| Simple Past | handed over |
| Past Participle | handed over |
Example
Please hand over the documents to the manager.
Example
She hands over the keys to the new tenant.
Example
He is handing over the package to the delivery person.
Example
Yesterday, they handed over the money to the charity.
Example
The stolen goods were handed over to the police.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hand over”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“hand over” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She handed over the keys to the new tenant.
Example
He handed the package over to the delivery person.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“hand over” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She handed over the keys to the new tenant.
Example
He handed the package over to the delivery person.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hand over”?
Good things to know
Does “hand over” have an informal or formal tone?
Hand over is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or legal proceedings.
