Turn away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Turn away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to look in the opposite direction or to avoid facing something. Example: "When the surprise party begins, please turn away so you don't see the decorations before everyone arrives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Turn away no more; "Why wilt thou turn away?

The Guardian - Books

Turn away from unnecessary and risky behavior.

Los Angeles Times

Turn away from trouble and harm.

Los Angeles Times

Turn away from his image.

Huffington Post

Turn away late arrivals.

WikiHow

Turn away from the camera.

WikiHow

Turn away from any light sources.

WikiHow

Turn away from others if you can.

WikiHow

Others turn away.

The New York Times

You turn away from it.

The New York Times

"You can turn away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Turn away" when you want to convey a sense of avoidance, refusal, or redirection, whether it's physical (like looking away) or metaphorical (like refusing an offer).

Common error

Don't use "Turn away" interchangeably with phrases like "Look away" or "Turn around" in all contexts. "Turn away" often implies a deliberate act of rejection or avoidance, while the others might simply refer to a change in direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "Turn away" primarily functions as a verb, indicating an action of avoidance, rejection, or physical redirection. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in contexts ranging from averting one's gaze to refusing entry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Turn away" is a versatile phrasal verb widely used to describe actions of avoidance, refusal, or physical redirection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Wiki. When using "Turn away", consider the specific nuance you want to convey, as it can range from simply looking in another direction to deliberately rejecting something. Remember to use synonyms carefully, ensuring they fit the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Look away

Focuses specifically on redirecting one's gaze.

Avert your eyes

Emphasizes the act of avoiding something unpleasant or shocking visually.

Refuse entry

Specifically addresses the denial of admission or access.

Reject

Indicates a general refusal to accept or consider something.

Decline

Suggests a polite refusal.

Dismiss

Implies a more forceful rejection or disregard.

Deflect

Focuses on redirecting something, like attention or criticism.

Shun

Suggests avoiding someone or something deliberately and consistently.

Repudiate

Indicates a formal or strong rejection of something.

Give the cold shoulder

Suggests ignoring someone.

FAQs

How can I use "Turn away" in a sentence?

You can use "Turn away" to describe physically looking in another direction, as in, "She had to "turn away" from the gruesome scene". It can also mean to reject something, like, "The company had to "turn away" several applicants due to budget constraints".

What are some synonyms for "Turn away"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms like "refuse", "reject", "deflect", or "look away". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "Turn away" and "Turn around"?

"Turn away" implies avoiding something or someone, often due to unpleasantness or rejection. "Turn around" simply means to rotate to face the opposite direction. For example, "He had to "turn away" from the accident scene", versus "He decided to "turn around" and go back home".

Is it correct to use "Turn away" in a formal context?

Yes, "Turn away" is appropriate in formal contexts. For instance, you might read, "The organization was forced to "turn away" several requests for funding" in a business report. The phrase is versatile and suitable for both formal and informal settings.