The primary difference between "handed over" and "handing over" lies in their grammatical function and tense. "Handed over" is a phrasal verb in the past tense, while "handing over" is a verb in the present continuous (or progressive) tense or part of a compound noun when it has a noun function.
Understanding the Grammar
Here's a breakdown:
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Handed over: This is the past tense of the phrasal verb "hand over". It signifies that the action of transferring something has already been completed.
- Example: He handed over the keys yesterday. (The action is finished.)
- As the reference clarifies, "over” is a phrasal verb...so we say: He handed over the money on Saturday.
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Handing over: This can function in two ways:
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Present continuous (or progressive) tense: This form indicates an action that is ongoing or happening right now. It often uses a form of the verb "to be" (is, are, was, were) before it.
- Example: They are handing over the documents now. (The action is happening at the moment)
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Part of a compound noun: When used as part of a compound noun (handing over process or the handover event), it is used to name something.
- Example: The handing over of the project will take a week. Here, ‘handing over’ acts as a noun describing the ‘action’ of handing over.
- As the reference states, "handover” is a compound noun. And: The handover took place on Saturday.
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Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | Handed Over | Handing Over |
|---|---|---|
| Tense | Past tense | Present Continuous (ongoing) / part of a compound noun |
| Function | Phrasal verb indicating completed action | Verb indicating ongoing action or part of a compound noun |
| Example Use | He handed over the package. | They are handing over the equipment. The handing over of power is critical. |
Practical Insights
- Context is crucial: The correct form to use depends entirely on the context of your sentence and what you want to convey about the time of the transfer.
- Clarity in Communication: Using the correct form enhances the clarity of your communication, avoiding confusion about when the action of transferring occurs.
- Formal vs. Informal: Both forms are standard in formal and informal settings; it is more about whether the action is a completed action or is ongoing.
