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hand in — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings
  1. 1 submit workto give something, like an assignment or document, to a person in authority, usually because it is required or expected.
  2. 2 resign formallyto formally give notice to your employer that you are leaving your job, especially by submitting a written resignation or notice.
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All meanings, in depth

Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.

1

submit work

B1hand in sthMost common

to give something, like an assignment or document, to a person in authority, usually because it is required or expected.

I forgot to hand in my assignment before the deadline.

A: Did you hand in your report yet?
B: Not yet, I'm finishing it now.

In my country, students usually have to hand in their essays online rather than on paper.

Common mistake

I forgot to hand in it.

I forgot to hand it in.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'hand it in', never 'hand in it'.

Tell it apart

Hand your essay in by Monday.

submit it

Hand the book back when you're done.

return it
Use 'hand in' when you are giving something to a teacher, boss, or official, especially when it is required, like homework or a form.'Hand in' is about submitting something officially. 'Hand out' means to distribute items to people.

Often paired with

hand in + work
2

resign formally

C1hand in your notice/resignation/letter

to formally give notice to your employer that you are leaving your job, especially by submitting a written resignation or notice.

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.

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

Common mistake

She handed in her job last week.

She handed in her notice last week.

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

Tell it apart

He handed in his notice.

resigned

He handed in his essay.

submitted work
'Hand in your notice' or 'hand in your resignation' is used in professional or workplace contexts to mean formally telling your employer you are leaving. It is neutral and standard in business English.This sense is different from the B1 sense of 'hand in' (submit work), as it refers specifically to resigning from a job, not submitting assignments or documents for review.

Often paired with

hand in + notice

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