1. He returned the book to the librarian.
2. He gave back the book to the librarian.
3. He handed back the book to the librarian.
4. He turned back the book to the librarian.
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Are they all the same in meaning? Can we use all the expressions?
Yes, they all mean the same thing. It would be better, smoother to say, "He gave the book back to the librarian", or "handed the book back..." The meaning is the same, though.
These expressions have similar meanings but there are slight differences in usage and level of formality. Let's analyze each one:
1. "He returned the book to the librarian."
This is the most commonly used expression and is considered the most natural. It means that he gave the book back to the librarian.
2. "He gave back the book to the librarian."
This expression also means that he returned the book to the librarian, but it is less common. It is still grammatically correct and understandable, but it may sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned.
3. "He handed back the book to the librarian."
This expression has the same meaning as the previous ones but emphasizes the act of physically handing the book to the librarian. It implies a direct interaction between him and the librarian, emphasizing the action of physically passing the book back.
4. "He turned back the book to the librarian."
This expression is not commonly used and may not be easily understood by native English speakers. While it conveys the general idea of returning the book to the librarian, it is not grammatically correct or idiomatic. "Turned back" usually implies reversing direction or changing one's course, rather than giving something back to someone.
In general, I would recommend using the first expression, "He returned the book to the librarian," as it is the most common and natural choice. However, the other expressions are also valid to use depending on the context, level of formality, and personal preference.