turn in
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle in
Meanings
Go to bed for the night
Why “in”? A person remains in a place or activity instead of leaving it. This can mean home, work, sleep, or a difficult effort.
“Maya turned in after reading for an hour that night.”
“Grandad turned in after the news.”
“Leo turned in early at the seaside hotel after a long day.”
Give work or an item to the person responsible for it
Common in American English. In British English, hand in is more usual. Compare the regional counterpart.
Why “in”? An item, answer, or decision is given to a person, office, business, or system.
“Please turn in your homework by Friday.”
“Visitors must turn in their keys before leaving.”
Don't confuse with
Turn in means go to bed for the night. Turn out means happen in a particular way or have a particular result.
Test yourself
“Maya turned in after reading for an hour that night.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
turn out
A contrast learners often mix up
Happen in a particular way or have a particular result
be in
Same in pattern: at home
Be present at home or at work
bring in
Same in pattern: submission
Introduce someone or something into a discussion or organisation; Earn money for a person or business; Introduce a new law, system or rule; Deliver a verdict in a court
give in
Same in pattern: submission
Stop resisting and accept defeat or pressure; Submit completed work to a teacher or boss; Let a temptation or feeling overcome your self-control
hand in
Same in pattern: submission
Submit something formally to a person or office; Return found property to authorities
hang in
Same in pattern: at home
Stay determined despite difficulties
key in
Same in pattern: submission
Enter information using a keyboard or keypad
live in
Same in pattern: at home
Live at the place where you work
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “turn in”.
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