Understanding how to use the phrasal verb “turn in” correctly is crucial for effective communication in English. This seemingly simple phrase has multiple meanings and applications, making it essential for both native and non-native speakers to grasp its nuances.
This article provides a detailed exploration of “turn in,” covering its definitions, structural breakdown, various usages, common mistakes, and practical exercises to solidify your understanding. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply an English language enthusiast, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently use “turn in” in any context.
By mastering “turn in,” you’ll enhance your ability to express yourself clearly and accurately, avoiding potential misunderstandings and improving your overall English proficiency. This comprehensive guide will take you from basic definitions to advanced applications, ensuring you have a solid foundation for using this versatile phrasal verb.
Table of Contents
- Definition of “Turn In”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “Turn In”
- Examples of “Turn In” in Sentences
- Usage Rules for “Turn In”
- Common Mistakes When Using “Turn In”
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of “Turn In”
“Turn in” is a phrasal verb in English, meaning it is a combination of a verb (“turn”) and a particle (in this case, “in”). Phrasal verbs often have meanings that are different from the individual words that make them up.
“Turn in” is a versatile phrasal verb with several distinct meanings, depending on the context. Understanding these different meanings is crucial for accurate interpretation and effective communication.
The primary meanings of “turn in” include:
- To submit something: This meaning refers to giving something to someone in authority or to whom it is due, such as homework, a report, or an application.
- To go to bed: This meaning indicates that someone is going to sleep for the night.
- To inform authorities: This meaning refers to reporting someone to the police or other relevant authorities, often for wrongdoing.
- To return Something: This meaning refers to giving something back, like turning in equipment at the end of your shift.
The function of “turn in” is to express an action in a more specific and idiomatic way than a single verb might. It adds nuance and clarity to the communication, making it a common and useful phrase in everyday English.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of “turn in” is relatively simple: it consists of the verb “turn” followed by the particle “in.” However, understanding how it fits into a sentence requires a closer look at its grammatical properties.
“Turn in” can be both separable and inseparable, depending on the meaning and the type of object it takes. When “turn in” means “to submit,” it is typically separable when the object is a pronoun but can be either separable or inseparable when the object is a noun. When it means “to go to bed,” it is inseparable.
Here’s a breakdown of the structural patterns:
- Subject + Turn in + Object (Noun): Example: “She turned in her homework.” (Inseparable)
- Subject + Turn + Object (Noun) + In: Example: “She turned her homework in.” (Separable)
- Subject + Turn + It + In: Example: “She turned it in.” (Separable – pronoun object MUST go between the verb and the particle)
- Subject + Turn in (no object): Example: “I’m going to turn in now.” (Meaning: go to bed – Inseparable)
Understanding these patterns is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences using “turn in.” Pay close attention to whether the object is a noun or a pronoun, as this will determine whether the phrasal verb is separable or inseparable.
Types and Categories of “Turn In”
As mentioned earlier, “turn in” has several distinct meanings. Let’s explore these meanings in more detail:
To Submit Something
This is one of the most common uses of “turn in.” It means to give something to an authority figure or someone to whom it is due. This could be a school assignment, a report at work, or any other document that needs to be submitted.
For example:
- “The students need to turn in their essays by Friday.”
- “I have to turn in my expense report to the accounting department.”
- “Did you remember to turn in your application form?”
To Go to Bed
In this context, “turn in” means to go to bed or retire for the night. It’s a more informal and slightly old-fashioned way of saying “go to bed.”
For example:
- “I’m feeling tired; I think I’ll turn in early tonight.”
- “It’s getting late; it’s time for me to turn in.”
- “After a long day of hiking, we were all ready to turn in.”
To Inform Authorities
This meaning refers to reporting someone to the police or other relevant authorities, typically for a crime or wrongdoing. It implies that you are providing information that could lead to the arrest or punishment of someone.
For example:
- “He decided to turn his friend in after discovering he was involved in illegal activities.”
- “The witness turned in the suspect to the police.”
- “If you know anything about the crime, you should turn the information in to the authorities.”
To Return Something
This meaning refers to giving something back, or returning an item, especially at the end of a task or period of use.
For example:
- “Please turn in your equipment at the end of your shift.”
- “Don’t forget to turn in your library books when you’re finished with them.”
- “After the event, volunteers helped turn in the borrowed chairs and tables.”
Examples of “Turn In” in Sentences
To further illustrate the different meanings of “turn in,” let’s look at a variety of examples organized by category.
Examples of “Turn In” (Submit)
The following table provides examples of “turn in” used in the context of submitting something. Notice how the object (the item being submitted) can be placed either between “turn” and “in” or after “in,” depending on whether it’s a noun or a pronoun.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “The students must turn in their assignments by Friday.” | Students are required to submit their assignments by a specific deadline. |
| “I need to turn in my report to my manager.” | The speaker has to submit a report to their superior. |
| “She turned in her application for the scholarship.” | She submitted her application for consideration for the scholarship. |
| “Don’t forget to turn in your timesheets at the end of the week.” | Employees are reminded to submit their timesheets. |
| “He turned in the form after filling it out carefully.” | He submitted the form after completing it. |
| “Have you turned in your taxes yet?” | A question asking if someone has submitted their tax documents. |
| “The company requires employees to turn in their laptops when they resign.” | Employees must submit their company-issued laptops upon leaving the company. |
| “I finally turned in my thesis after months of hard work.” | The speaker submitted their thesis after a long period of effort. |
| “Make sure to turn it in on time.” | A reminder to submit something by the deadline (pronoun object). |
| “She turned it in early to avoid any last-minute issues.” | She submitted it ahead of schedule to prevent problems. |
| “The teacher asked the students to turn in their drafts for feedback.” | The teacher requested that students submit their preliminary versions for review. |
| “He had to turn in his badge after he was fired.” | He was required to submit his identification badge after being terminated. |
| “Did you turn in the required documents?” | A query asking if the necessary papers were handed in. |
| “The deadline to turn in the project proposal is next week.” | The final date for submitting the project proposal is scheduled for the following week. |
| “She forgot to turn in her permission slip for the field trip.” | She neglected to submit her consent form for the excursion. |
| “I need to turn in my resignation letter to HR.” | I am required to submit my letter of resignation to the Human Resources department. |
| “He turned in his report late, so he got a penalty.” | He submitted his report after the due date, resulting in a consequence. |
| “The accountant turned in the financial statements.” | The accountant submitted the financial records. |
| “They turned in the survey results to the research team.” | They submitted the survey data to the research team. |
| “Please turn in your completed forms to the front desk.” | Kindly submit your filled-out forms to the reception area. |
| “She turned in the evidence to the court.” | She submitted the proof to the judicial institution. |
| “He turned in the winning ticket to claim his prize.” | He submitted the victorious ticket to receive his reward. |
| “Did you turn in the signed agreement?” | Have you submitted the endorsed contract? |
| “The consultant turned in their recommendations to the CEO.” | The consultant submitted their advice to the Chief Executive Officer. |
| “I have to turn in my hours worked for payroll processing.” | I need to submit the time I worked so I can be paid. |
Examples of “Turn In” (Go to Bed)
The following table illustrates “turn in” used to mean “go to bed.” In this context, “turn in” is inseparable and doesn’t take a direct object.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “I’m feeling tired; I think I’ll turn in now.” | The speaker is going to bed because they are tired. |
| “It’s getting late; it’s time for me to turn in.” | The speaker is indicating that it’s time for them to go to sleep. |
| “After a long day of hiking, we were all ready to turn in.” | The group was ready to go to bed after a tiring day of hiking. |
| “I usually turn in around 10 pm on weekdays.” | The speaker typically goes to bed at 10 pm during the week. |
| “She decided to turn in early because she had a big meeting in the morning.” | She chose to go to bed early due to an important meeting the next day. |
| “Are you going to turn in soon, or are you going to stay up late?” | A question asking if someone is planning to go to bed soon or remain awake. |
| “He turned in after finishing his book.” | He went to bed after completing his reading. |
| “They turned in after watching a movie.” | They retired for the night after viewing a film. |
| “We should probably turn in; we have an early start tomorrow.” | We ought to go to bed soon because we need to wake up early. |
| “I’m going to turn in; goodnight everyone!” | I am heading to bed; farewell to all! |
| “She likes to turn in with a cup of herbal tea.” | She enjoys going to bed with a warm beverage. |
| “He told his kids to turn in after the story.” | He instructed his children to go to bed after the tale. |
| “It’s late, why don’t you turn in?” | Considering the time, why don’t you retire for the night? |
| “After the party, everyone was ready to turn in.” | Following the gathering, everyone was prepared to go to bed. |
| “I’m so exhausted, I think I’ll turn in immediately.” | I’m very tired, so I think I’ll go to bed right away. |
| “She decided to turn in instead of watching TV.” | She chose to go to bed rather than watch television. |
| “They turned in, dreaming of their vacation.” | They went to bed, thinking about their holiday. |
| “We turned in, grateful for the peaceful night.” | We went to bed, thankful for the quiet evening. |
| “I’m going to turn in; see you in the morning.” | I am heading to bed; I’ll see you tomorrow. |
| “She turned in, hoping for a better day.” | She went to bed, wishing for a more positive day. |
Examples of “Turn In” (Inform Authorities)
This table provides examples of “turn in” used in the context of informing authorities.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “He decided to turn his friend in after discovering he was involved in illegal activities.” | He reported his friend to the authorities after learning about their illegal actions. |
| “The witness turned in the suspect to the police.” | The witness reported the suspect to the police. |
| “If you know anything about the crime, you should turn the information in to the authorities.” | If you have any knowledge of the crime, you should report it to the authorities. |
| “She turned him in when she found out he was stealing from the company.” | She reported him to the authorities after discovering his theft. |
| “The neighbor turned in the drug dealers who were operating in the apartment next door.” | The neighbor reported the drug dealers to the police. |
| “He turned himself in to the police after realizing he had made a mistake.” | He voluntarily surrendered to the police after acknowledging his error. |
| “The anonymous tipster turned in the location of the stolen goods.” | The anonymous informant reported the whereabouts of the stolen items. |
| “She felt guilty, so she turned in the money she had found.” | She reported the found money to the authorities due to her guilt. |
| “The hacker was turned in by a rival group.” | The hacker was reported by a competing organization. |
| “He turned in the corrupt official to the ethics committee.” | He reported the dishonest officer to the oversight board. |
| “She turned in her abusive partner to the domestic violence hotline.” | She reported her violent companion to the support service. |
| “The whistleblower turned in the company for fraud.” | The insider reported the firm for deceptive practices. |
| “He turned in the poachers to the wildlife authorities.” | He reported the illegal hunters to the conservation agency. |
| “She turned in the scammer to the consumer protection agency.” | She reported the fraudster to the consumer advocacy group. |
| “The student turned in the cheater to the professor.” | The student reported the academic dishonest to the teacher. |
| “He turned in the vandal to the security guard.” | He reported the destroyer to the protection officer. |
| “She turned in the person who was spreading rumors.” | She reported the individual sharing gossip. |
| “The employee turned in the manager for harassment.” | The worker reported the supervisor for mistreatment. |
| “He turned in the person who was littering in the park.” | He reported the individual discarding trash in the green space. |
| “She turned in the driver who was driving recklessly.” | She reported the operator who was driving dangerously. |
Examples of “Turn In” (Return Something)
This table provides examples of “turn in” used in the context of returning something.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “Please turn in your equipment at the end of your shift.” | Employees are required to return their tools after their work period. |
| “Don’t forget to turn in your library books when you’re finished with them.” | Remember to return borrowed books to the library upon completion. |
| “After the event, volunteers helped turn in the borrowed chairs and tables.” | Volunteers assisted in returning the loaned furniture after the occasion. |
| “I need to turn in my rental car before I leave town.” | I must return my leased vehicle before departing. |
| “She turned in her uniform after she quit her job.” | She returned her work attire after leaving her employment. |
| “He turned in the keys to the apartment when he moved out.” | He returned the apartment’s keys upon vacating the premises. |
| “The students had to turn in their textbooks at the end of the semester.” | Students were required to return their learning materials after the term. |
| “Turn in your old electronics for recycling.” | Return your outdated devices for environmentally responsible disposal. |
| “She turned in her ballot at the polling station.” | She returned her voting form at the designated location. |
| “They turned in the survey forms to the research center.” | They returned the completed questionnaires to the investigation hub. |
| “Turn in your used batteries at the collection point.” | Return your depleted power cells to the designated area. |
| “He turned in the lost wallet to the information desk.” | He returned the misplaced billfold to the assistance counter. |
| “She turned in her badge at the security office.” | She returned her identification card at the protection bureau. |
| “Turn in your paperwork to the records department.” | Return your documents to the registry section. |
| “They turned in the samples to the laboratory.” | They returned the specimens to the research facility. |
| “Turn in your feedback forms after the workshop.” | Return your evaluation sheets after the training session. |
| “He turned in the signed contract to the legal team.” | He returned the endorsed agreement to the judiciary entity. |
| “She turned in her claim form to the insurance company.” | She returned her application form to the assurance agency. |
| “Turn in your reservations at the front counter.” | Return your bookings at the reception desk. |
| “They turned in the supplies at the end of their project.” | They returned the materials at the closing of their project. |
Usage Rules for “Turn In”
To use “turn in” correctly, it’s important to follow these usage rules:
- Meaning Awareness: Always be aware of the context to determine the intended meaning of “turn in.” Is it about submitting something, going to bed, informing authorities, or returning something?
- Separability: Remember that “turn in” can be separable or inseparable, depending on the meaning and the object. When the object is a pronoun, it must go between “turn” and “in.” When the object is a noun, it can go either before or after “in” (except when “turn in” means “go to bed,” in which case it is inseparable).
- Tense Consistency: Use the correct tense of the verb “turn” to match the time frame of the sentence. For example, “I turned in my report yesterday” (past tense) or “I will turn in my assignment tomorrow” (future tense).
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure that the verb “turn” agrees with the subject of the sentence. For example, “He turns in his work on time” (singular subject) or “They turn in their work on time” (plural subject).
- Formal vs. Informal: While “turn in” is generally acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, be mindful of your audience. In very formal writing, you might choose a more precise synonym, such as “submit” or “report,” depending on the intended meaning.
Common Mistakes When Using “Turn In”
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using “turn in”:
- Incorrect Separability: Forgetting to separate “turn in” when the object is a pronoun.
- Incorrect: “I turned in it.”
- Correct: “I turned it in.”
- Using “Turn In” Literally When It’s Meant Figuratively: Forgetting that “turn in” is a phrasal verb with idiomatic meanings.
- Incorrect: “I physically turned myself in the house.” (when meaning going to bed)
- Correct: “I turned in early last night.”
- Misunderstanding the Meaning: Using “turn in” when another verb would be more appropriate.
- Incorrect: “I need to turn in to the left.” (when meaning making a left)
- Correct: “I need to turn left.”
- Incorrect Tense: Using the wrong tense of “turn.”
- Incorrect: “I will turn in my homework yesterday.”
- Correct: “I turned in my homework yesterday.” or “I will turn in my homework tomorrow.”
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “turn in” with these practice exercises. Choose the correct form of “turn in” to complete each sentence.
| Question | Correct Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The students need to _______ their essays by Friday. | turn in |
| 2. I’m feeling tired; I think I’ll _______ early tonight. | turn in |
| 3. He decided to _______ his friend _______ after discovering he was involved in illegal activities. | turn, in |
| 4. Please _______ your equipment at the end of your shift. | turn in |
| 5. She _______ it _______ on time to avoid any last-minute issues. | turned, in |
| 6. It’s getting late; it’s time for me to _______. | turn in |
| 7. The witness _______ the suspect _______ to the police. | turned, in |
| 8. Don’t forget to _______ your library books when you’re finished with them. | turn in |
| 9. I need to _______ my report to my manager. | turn in |
| 10. If you know anything about the crime, you should _______ the information _______ to the authorities. | turn, in |
More Challenging Practice Exercise – Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “turn in” or a suitable synonym.
| Question | Correct Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. All applications must be _______ by the end of the month. | turned in / submitted |
| 2. After the long journey, the travelers decided to _______. | turn in |
| 3. The concerned citizen decided to _______ the criminal to the authorities. | turn in / report |
| 4. Ensure you _______ all borrowed items after use. | turn in |
| 5. She forgot to _______ her permission slip, so she couldn’t go on the trip. | turn in |
| 6. It was a tiring day, so the children decided to _______ early. | turn in |
| 7. The police encouraged anyone with information to _______ what they knew. | turn in |
| 8. At the completion of the project, team members were asked to _______ their tools. | turn in |
| 9. He was praised for his honesty when he decided to _______ the stolen goods. | turn in |
| 10. After a week of camping, they were all eager to _______ to a comfortable bed. | turn in |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects of “turn in”:
- Nuances in Meaning: Explore the subtle differences in meaning between “turn in” and its synonyms, such as “submit,” “report,” and “hand in.” Consider the connotations and contexts in which each word is most appropriate.
- Regional Variations: Investigate whether the usage of “turn in” varies across different English-speaking regions. Are there any regional preferences or alternative phrasal verbs used in place of “turn in”?
- Historical Evolution: Research the historical origins of “turn in” and how its meaning has evolved over time. Understanding the etymology of the phrase can provide deeper insights into its current usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about using “turn in”:
- Is “turn in” formal or informal?
“Turn in” is generally considered to be neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might opt for a more precise synonym, such as “submit” or “report,” depending on the intended meaning. The choice depends on the specific context and your audience.
- Can I use “turn in” in all tenses?
Yes, you can use “turn in” in all tenses. Simply conjugate the verb “turn” accordingly. For example: “I turn in my assignments on time” (present tense), “I turned in my report yesterday” (past tense), “I will turn in my application tomorrow” (future tense).
- When is “turn in” separable, and when is it inseparable?
“Turn in” is separable when it means “to submit” and the object is a pronoun (e.g., “turn it in”). When the object is a noun, it can be either separable or inseparable (e.g., “turn in the homework” or “turn the homework in”). When “turn in” means “to go to bed,” it is always inseparable (e.g., “I’m going to turn in now”).
- What are some synonyms for “turn in” when it means “submit”?
Synonyms for “turn in” (submit) include: submit, hand in, deliver, present, file, lodge, tender. The best synonym depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.
- What are some synonyms for “turn in” when it means “go to bed”?
Synonyms for “turn in” (go to bed) include: go to bed, retire, hit the hay, go to sleep. “Turn in” is a slightly more old-fashioned and informal option.
- Is it correct to say “turn in yourself”?
While you wouldn’t say “turn in yourself” in the same way you’d say “turn yourself in,” the reflexive form “turn yourself in” is correct and means to surrender to authorities. For example, “He turned himself in to the police.”
- Can “turn in” be used in passive voice?
Yes, “turn in” can be used in the passive voice, particularly when it means “to submit.” For example: “The assignments must be turned in by Friday.”
- What’s the difference between “turn in” and “hand in”?
“Turn in” and “hand in” are very similar and often interchangeable when meaning “to submit.” However, “hand in” might imply a more direct, physical handing over of something, while “turn in” can be used more broadly for both physical and digital submissions.
Conclusion
Mastering the phrasal verb “turn in” is an essential step in improving your English proficiency. With its multiple meanings and nuanced usage, understanding “turn in” allows for clearer and more effective communication.
By grasping the different contexts in which “turn in” is used, as well as the rules governing its separability and tense, you can confidently incorporate it into your everyday speech and writing.
Remember to pay attention to the context, practice using “turn in” in various sentences, and be mindful of common mistakes. As you continue to learn and practice, you’ll become more comfortable and confident in your ability to use “turn in” correctly and effectively.
Keep practicing, and soon “turn in” will become a natural part of your English vocabulary.