Is it Correct to Say “I Handed the Robber to the Police”?

In the context of describing an action taken during an incident involving a robber and the police, the correct phrasing is often 'handed over.' This article delves into the nuances of using phrasal verbs, specifically the correct usage of 'hand over' when referring to the transfer of control from one party to another.

Context and Usage

The sentence 'I handed the robber to the police' might seem correct on the surface, but it requires a slight adjustment for grammatical accuracy and clarity. The addition of the preposition 'over' before 'to the police' resolves the sentence correctly.

Correct Sentence: I handed the robber over to the police.

The Importance of 'Over'

By including the preposition 'over,' we specify that the action of handing over carries a broader meaning of a change of custody. This addition is crucial in accurately reflecting the transfer of the robber from the individual's control to that of the police.

No, the correct expression is ‘to hand over’ so the corrected sentence should read: I handed the robber over to the police.

Additional Considerations

For further context, here are some questions to consider: Was there a robber present in the incident? Did you detain the robber in a citizen's arrest? Did you then release the robber to the custody of the police? If the answers to these questions affirmatively are 'yes,' then the sentence "I handed the robber over to the police" is indeed correct.

Specific Nuances in Phrasal Verbs

It's important to understand the specific nuances of phrasal verbs to ensure your sentence is clear and grammatically sound. Phrasal verbs, like 'hand over,' are more than just a combination of words; they carry a distinct meaning and usage. In the case of 'hand over,' the preposition 'over' is not optional but necessary for proper sentence construction.

Here are a few correct examples:

I handed the robber over to the police. I handed him over to the police. I handed over the robber to the police.

It is not grammatically correct to say:

I handed over him to the police.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding and correctly using phrasal verbs like 'hand over' is essential for clear and accurate communication. The inclusion of 'over' in the phrase ensures that the sentence is both grammatically correct and semantically sound, effectively conveying the intended action of transferring custody from one party to another.

Keywords

Hand over Phrasal Verbs Sentence Correctness