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turn in

B1 informal separable both
In simple words

To give something to an official or teacher, to tell the police about someone, or to go to bed.

Literal meaning: To fold or direct something inward.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To submit or hand over work, an object, or a document to a person in authority.

"All students must turn in their essays by Friday afternoon."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To report someone to the police or other authorities.

"His own brother turned him in after discovering what he had done."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

(informal) To go to bed; to retire for the night.

"It's getting late — I think I'll turn in."

Grammar: inseparable
4 B2 idiomatic neutral

To achieve or produce a particular result or performance.

"She turned in an outstanding performance in the final."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Three distinct senses. The submission sense ('turn in homework') is common in North American English; British English often prefers 'hand in'. The reporting sense ('turn someone in') is used in crime/police contexts. The sleeping sense ('turn in early') is informal.

Commonly used with

homework report assignment criminal suspect early

Forms

Base
turn in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
turns in
he/she/it
Past simple
turned in
yesterday
Past participle
turned in
have + pp
-ing form
turning in
continuous

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Synonyms

deliver hand in hand over report submit surrender

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