Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb: Hand Over

"To hand over wisdom is to entrust the future with the past, ensuring that knowledge transcends generations with grace and insight."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'hand over' means to give someone control or responsibility for something. It often implies the transfer of power, authority, or possession from one person or group to another, typically in a formal or official manner.

Examples in context

The organization plans to hand over operations to a new management team.
After decades of service, he was prepared to hand over his duties to his successor.
In times of transition, leaders must wisely hand over responsibilities to ensure continuity.

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can come between 'hand' and 'over'.

Neutral

Can be used in most contexts without being overly formal or informal.

Transitive

Yes

It requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	hand over	I will hand over the keys to you tomorrow.
Past Simple	handed over	She handed over the documents as requested.
Present Continuous	handing over	They are handing over responsibilities to the new manager.
Present Perfect	have handed over	We have handed over control to the new team.

💡 When to Use

Transferring responsibility

Use when moving responsibility or authority from one party to another in a formal setting.

Example: "The outgoing president will hand over authority to the next leader."

Conveying possession

Applicable when giving possession of an item or document formally.

Example: "She will hand over the contract after you sign it."

Concluding negotiations

Utilized at the end of negotiations when transferring agreed items or controls.

Example: "Once the agreement is signed, the money will be handed over."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: They hand over the project last week.

✅ Correct: They handed over the project last week.

💡 Tip: Ensure tense matches the time frame.

Missing object

❌ Wrong: He handed over quickly.

✅ Correct: He handed over the report quickly.

💡 Tip: Always include an object with this verb.

Informal use in formal context

❌ Wrong: He will hand over the stuff later.

✅ Correct: He will hand over the documents later.

💡 Tip: Use precise language in formal contexts.

Practice

HAND OVER - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The organization plans to hand over operations to a new management team.
Words In The Wind
2
Listen to example

After decades of service, he was prepared to hand over his duties to his successor.
Words In The Wind
3
Listen to example

In times of transition, leaders must wisely hand over responsibilities to ensure continuity.
Words In The Wind

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

transfer relinquish

Antonyms

retain

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The outgoing CEO decided to ___ control to his deputy."

take over

hand over

hold onto

seize

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hand Over

What is the origin of 'hand over'?

The phrasal verb 'hand over' originates from the physical act of passing an item to someone, particularly with hands, which evolved metaphorically to signify giving control or responsibility. This usage dates back centuries, reflecting a universal way of transferring authority or possessions formally.

Can 'hand over' be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Hand over' is primarily used in neutral to formal contexts, especially when referencing official transfers of control or responsibilities. In informal conversation, it might refer to physically giving something to someone. Always consider the setting to ensure appropriate usage, especially in official communications.

What is the difference between 'hand over' and 'transfer'?

While 'hand over' implies a direct, often physical or formal, act of giving control or possession, 'transfer' is broader and refers to moving something from one place or person to another. 'Transfer' can apply to rights, duties, or assets, and may not involve direct, physical handing over.

Browse All Words In The Wind Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

HAND OVER - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hand Over

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega