1. He returned the book to the librarian.

Question

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?

Answer 1

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.