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Same verb · different particle

“hand” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 5 one at a time, then test yourself.

5 phrasal verbslisten & quiz
hand
backdowninoutover

hand + back · 1 of 5

hand back

return something to the person who gave it to you

  • hand sth back to sb

to give something back to the person who gave it to you, especially after you have finished using it or when you no longer need it.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

After checking our homework, the teacher handed back our notebooks.

A: Can you hand back my pen when you're done?
B: Sure, here you go.

Common mistake

Not: The teacher handed back us the tests.

Say: The teacher handed the tests back to us. / The teacher handed us back the tests.

With two objects, say 'hand the tests back to us'. Don't put 'us' straight after 'handed back'.

More on “hand back”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my school, teachers usually hand back our test papers the following week so we can see our mistakes.

Tell it apart

She handed back my passport.

  • returned it

She handed in her notice.

  • submitted it

Goes with

  • hand back
Practice saying this
Next: hand down

hand + down · 2 of 5

hand down

pass to the next generation

  • hand sth down to sb

to give or leave something, such as knowledge, traditions, or possessions, to people who come after you, especially younger family members or future generations.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

My grandmother handed down her wedding ring to my mother, and one day it will be mine.

A: Where did you learn to cook like that?
B: Most of these recipes were handed down from my dad. He was an amazing chef.

Common mistake

Not: These skills were handed down to next generations.

Say: These skills were handed down to the next generation.

Usually 'the next generation' (singular), or the set phrase 'from generation to generation'.

More on “hand down”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In many cultures, important values and customs are handed down through generations, which helps to preserve a sense of identity.

Tell it apart

The ring was handed down to me.

  • passed through generations

The judge handed down a harsh sentence.

  • formally delivered a ruling

Goes with

  • hand down
Practice saying this
Next: hand in

hand + in · 3 of 5

hand in

submit work or notice

  • hand in homework

To give a piece of work, a form or a document to the person in charge — like homework, an application, or your notice when you leave a job.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

After much consideration, she decided to hand in her resignation and pursue a new career path.

A: Did you hear about Tom?
B: Yeah, he finally handed in his notice yesterday. He’s moving to Australia.

Common mistake

Not: She handed in her job last week.

Say: She handed in her notice last week.

You hand in your NOTICE or resignation, not your 'job'.

More on “hand in”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If employees are dissatisfied with their working conditions, they may choose to hand in their notice rather than remain in an unfulfilling role.

Tell it apart

He handed in his notice.

  • resigned

He handed in his essay.

  • submitted work

Goes with

  • hand in + notice
Practice saying this
Next: hand out

hand + out · 4 of 5

hand out

distribute

  • hand out sth to sb

to give something to each person in a group, usually by passing it to them one by one.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The teacher handed out the test papers to the students.

A: Can you help me hand out these flyers at the event?
B: Sure, just give me a stack.

Common mistake

Not: She handed out us the papers.

Say: She handed out the papers to us. / handed us the papers.

'Hand out' + the thing; the recipient takes 'to' ('hand them out to us').

More on “hand out”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my school, teachers often hand out worksheets at the beginning of each lesson to help us follow along.

Tell it apart

They handed out the leaflets.

  • distributed to a group

The referee handed out a red card.

  • imposed a penalty — sense

Goes with

  • hand out + items
Practice saying this
Next: hand over

hand + over · 5 of 5

hand over

give something or control

  • hand over thing

To give something you are holding to someone else, or to pass responsibility or control of something to another person.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

After ten years as CEO, she decided it was time to hand over responsibility to a new generation of leaders.

A: Are you still leading the project?
B: No, I handed over the role to Priya last month so I could focus on other priorities.

Common mistake

Not: She handed over her duties for the new manager.

Say: She handed over her duties to the new manager.

You hand over TO the person taking over, not 'for'.

More on “hand over”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In many organizations, it is essential to have a clear process for handing over authority to ensure continuity and avoid confusion during leadership transitions.

Tell it apart

Hand over your phone.

  • give it to me

I'm handing over to Priya.

  • passing my role to her

Goes with

  • hand over + role
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which “hand” fits?
Fill the gap

Which “hand” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

hand backhand downhand inhand outhand over