Turn In – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever submitted a homework assignment, gone to bed early, or seen a criminal surrender to the police? In English, all these situations use the phrase turn in. This practical phrasal verb has three main meanings—and context tells you which one is intended.
What Does “Turn In” Mean?
“Turn in” has three common uses:
1. To submit something (like homework, a report, or keys): “Don’t forget to turn in your application by Friday.”
2. To go to bed: “I’m exhausted—I’m going to turn in early tonight.”
3. To surrender someone (or yourself) to authorities: “He turned himself in after the accident.”
Think of it like handing over, heading to sleep, or giving up—depending on the situation. The meaning always depends on context.
When to Use It
Use “turn in” in everyday or neutral situations:
• For school or work deadlines: “She turned in her project on time.”
• When talking about sleep: “It’s midnight—time to turn in.”
• In news or legal contexts: “The suspect turned in his accomplice.”
It’s common in speaking, writing, and media. Avoid using it for casual returns (like “returning a book”); use “return” instead.
Example Sentences
- Please turn in your exams when you’re finished.
- I turned in around 9 p.m. last night—early for me!
- After days on the run, he finally turned himself in.
- Can you turn in the car keys before you leave?
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Did you finish the report?”
Jamie: “Yes! I turned it in this morning.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “turn in” with “turn on” (to activate) or “hand in” (which is similar but less common in American English for submissions). Also, when “turn in” means “go to bed,” it’s usually used in the simple past or present tense—not continuous (“I’m turning in” is okay, but “I’m turning in bed” is wrong!).
❌ Don’t say: “I turned in my library book.” (Use “returned” instead.)
✅ Do say: “I turned in my homework.”
✅ Do say: “I think I’ll turn in now—it’s been a long day.”
Practice Tip
Next time you submit an assignment, go to bed, or hear a news story about a surrender, say: “I turned in my work,” “I’m turning in,” or “He turned himself in.” Using the phrase in real contexts builds accurate, natural fluency.
Final Note
Now you can use “turn in” to talk about deadlines, bedtime, or surrender—with clarity and confidence. It’s a small phrase with big everyday use, heard constantly in classrooms, news, and quiet goodnights. Keep listening for it in context, and soon you’ll know exactly which meaning fits. You’re not just learning English—you’re learning how people close chapters, rest, and take responsibility. Keep going—you’ve got this!
