Hand In vs. Turn In

Attribute	Hand In	Turn In
Definition	Submit or give something to someone	Submit or give something to someone
Usage	Commonly used in informal contexts	Commonly used in formal contexts
Formality	Less formal	More formal
Commonly used in	School or casual settings	Work or academic settings

Definition

Hand in and turn in are two common phrases used in educational settings to refer to submitting assignments or work to a teacher or professor. While they are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their meanings and connotations.

Hand In

When a student is asked to "hand in" an assignment, it typically implies physically giving the work to the teacher or professor. This can involve physically handing a printed copy of the assignment, submitting it online through a learning management system, or even presenting it in person during a class or office hours.

Handing in an assignment can sometimes involve a more personal interaction with the instructor, as the student may have the opportunity to ask questions or provide additional context about the work being submitted. This can be beneficial for students who want to explain any challenges they faced or highlight specific aspects of their work.

Handing in assignments can also be a more immediate and direct process, as the student is physically giving the work to the instructor. This can create a sense of closure and finality for the student, knowing that they have completed the task and submitted it for evaluation.

Turn In

On the other hand, when a student is asked to "turn in" an assignment, it often implies a more formal and structured process of submission. Turning in an assignment may involve following specific guidelines or procedures set by the instructor, such as submitting the work online by a certain deadline or placing it in a designated dropbox.

Turning in assignments can sometimes feel more impersonal compared to handing them in, as it may involve simply following instructions without much interaction with the instructor. This can be advantageous for students who prefer a more straightforward and streamlined approach to submitting their work.

Turning in assignments can also be a more systematic and organized process, as it often involves adhering to established protocols and procedures. This can help ensure that all students submit their work in a consistent and uniform manner, making it easier for the instructor to manage and evaluate the assignments.

Key Differences

While both hand in and turn in involve submitting assignments to an instructor, the key differences lie in the level of personal interaction, immediacy, and formality associated with each term. Handing in assignments may offer students the opportunity to engage with their instructors on a more personal level, while turning in assignments may provide a more structured and systematic approach to submission.

Ultimately, whether a student is asked to hand in or turn in an assignment, the most important aspect is ensuring that the work is completed to the best of their ability and submitted on time. Both terms serve the same purpose of allowing students to demonstrate their understanding and mastery of the material, regardless of the specific terminology used.