What are the definitions of “turn over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Give to the authorities.
The court ordered the company to TURN OVER their financial records.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “turn over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb turn over is to give something, usually documents or information, to someone in authority, such as the police or a court. This often happens when there is an investigation or legal process.
What are the different verb forms of “turn over”?
| Root Verb | turn over |
| Third Person Singular Present | turns over |
| Present Participle | turning over |
| Simple Past | turned over |
| Past Participle | turned over |
Example
The company was asked to turn over the documents to the authorities.
Example
She turns over any suspicious emails to the IT department.
Example
He is turning over the evidence to the police.
Example
They turned over the stolen goods to the police.
Example
The documents have been turned over to the court.
What kind of phrasal verb is “turn 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
“turn 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
The company turned over the financial records to the court.
Example
He turned the evidence over to the police.
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
“turn 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
The company turned over the financial records to the court.
Example
He turned the evidence over to the police.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “turn over”?
Good things to know
Does “turn over” have an informal or formal tone?
Turn over is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in legal and professional settings when discussing the transfer of documents or information to authorities.
