hand in

give work or a document to a teacher or boss

B1

What does "hand sth in" mean?

To hand in something means to give a piece of work or an official document to someone who has the authority to receive it — a teacher, a manager, or an official. It is the action of submitting something, usually by a deadline or as a formal step in a process. For example, students hand in essays and assignments, employees hand in reports or application forms, and someone leaving a job hands in their notice. The key idea is that you are giving something upward, to a person or organisation in a position of authority, not simply passing something to a friend. It is the standard British English expression for this idea — American English speakers often use 'turn in' instead.

Examples

How to use it

hand in + object

The most common structure, used when the object is a noun phrase and fits naturally after the particle.

Please hand in your application form at the front desk.

hand + object + in

Used to separate the phrasal verb, especially with short noun objects. This is equally standard and very natural.

She handed her homework in just before the lesson started.

hand + pronoun + in

When the object is a pronoun, it must go between 'hand' and 'in'. Saying 'hand in it' is incorrect.

I've finished the report — I'll hand it in tomorrow morning.

object + be handed in + (by + time/person)

The passive form is common in official instructions, especially when talking about deadlines.

All complaint forms must be handed in by the end of the week.

need to / have to / must + hand in + object

Often used with modal expressions to talk about deadlines or requirements.

You have to hand in your project before Friday or you'll lose marks.

Common Collocations

hand in your essayhand in your homeworkhand in your noticehand in a formhand in a reporthand in an assignment

Common Mistakes

Pronoun placement

When you use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'hand' and 'in'. Placing the pronoun after 'in' is incorrect in English.

✗ I need to hand in it by Monday.
✓ I need to hand it in by Monday.
Confusing 'hand in' with 'hand out'

'Hand out' means to distribute something to a group of people, while 'hand in' means to give something to a person in authority as a submission. They are opposites in direction.

✗ The teacher handed in the worksheets to the students.
✓ The teacher handed out the worksheets to the students. / The students handed in their worksheets to the teacher.
Using the present continuous

Because handing something in is a quick, completed action rather than an ongoing activity, the present continuous sounds unnatural. Use the present simple or present perfect instead.

✗ I am handing in my essay right now.
✓ I'm about to hand in my essay. / I've just handed in my essay.

Usage

'Hand in' is the standard British English equivalent of American 'turn in' for submitting work. The phrase 'hand in your notice' is a fixed expression meaning to formally resign from a job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'hand in' British English? Would Americans understand it?

Yes, 'hand in' is more typical of British and Australian English. American English speakers usually say 'turn in' for the same meaning — for example, 'turn in your homework'. Most Americans will still understand 'hand in', but if you're writing for an American audience, 'turn in' or 'submit' may feel more natural.

What does 'hand in your notice' mean? Is it a fixed phrase?

Yes, 'hand in your notice' is a fixed phrase that means to formally tell your employer that you are resigning from your job. It's the standard British English expression for this situation. You can also say 'hand in your resignation', which has the same meaning.

Can 'hand in' be used without an object, for example just 'I've handed in'?

Technically yes, but only when the object is already clear from the context — for example, if a teacher has been asking about a specific assignment and a student says 'I've already handed in.' In most situations, it's clearer and more natural to include the object.

What kinds of things can you 'hand in'?

You can hand in work-related items like essays, assignments, homework, reports, and projects. You can also hand in official documents like forms, applications, and complaints. In a workplace context, handing in your notice or badge is also very common. The connecting idea is that all of these things are given to someone in authority.

Is 'hand in' the same as 'submit'?

'Hand in' and 'submit' are very close in meaning and are often interchangeable. 'Submit' tends to sound more formal and is common in written instructions, while 'hand in' is used naturally in both speaking and writing. In everyday conversation, 'hand in' is the more common choice.

Related Phrasal Verbs

turn sb/sth in

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