a U-turn

USAGE SUMMARY

"a U-turn" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a change in direction or a reversal of opinion or policy. Example: The company made a U-turn on its decision to cut jobs. Alternative expressions include "a turnaround" and "a reversal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What a U-turn!

The Guardian - Opinion

They made a U-turn.

The New York Times

Make a U-turn here...

The New York Times

He refuses to acknowledge a U-turn.

The Economist

Our pilot had made a U-turn.

The New York Times

Then it does a U-turn.

The New York Times

That would mark a U-turn.

The Economist

Mexico's creditors performed a U-turn.

The New York Times

This week they did a U-turn.

The Economist

Was he bullied into a U-turn?

The New York Times

Nevertheless, a U-turn now looks inevitable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a U-turn" to clearly indicate a complete reversal in direction, strategy, or opinion. It's more impactful than simply saying "change".

Common error

Avoid using "a U-turn" when referring to minor adjustments or gradual changes. It's reserved for complete reversals. For smaller changes, use terms like "adjustment" or "modification".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a U-turn" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a verb, describing an action or state of reversing a previous course. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe reversals in policy, driving directions and personal decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a U-turn" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a complete reversal of direction or policy. Predominantly found in News & Media, Ludwig’s analysis indicates its function as a noun phrase, its purpose of indicating a reversal, and a register leaning towards neutral. While versatile, be mindful of its dramatic connotation, reserving it for instances of true and significant reversals, and Ludwig AI has validated these findings by confirming that it's correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an about-face

Similar to "a U-turn", but can imply a more formal or military context.

a reversal of course

Emphasizes a change in direction, often implying a planned or deliberate shift.

a policy reversal

Specifically refers to a change in official rules or guidelines.

a turnaround

Focuses on a positive change from a negative situation, suggesting improvement.

a volte-face

Indicates a complete and often surprising reversal of opinion or policy.

a change of heart

Indicates a shift in sentiment or attitude leading to a different decision.

a backflip

Suggests a sudden and dramatic reversal, often implying political maneuvering.

a retraction

Implies withdrawing a statement or claim, acknowledging its inaccuracy.

a 180-degree turn

Highlights a complete change of direction, emphasizing the degree of the shift.

a climbdown

Suggests a reluctant retreat from a previously held position, often due to pressure.

FAQs

How can I use "a U-turn" in a sentence?

You can use "a U-turn" to describe a complete reversal of direction, policy, or opinion. For example: "The government made "a U-turn" on its decision to raise taxes."

What are some alternatives to "a U-turn"?

Alternatives to "a U-turn" include "a reversal of course", "an about-face", or "a turnaround" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a U-turn" in formal writing?

Yes, "a U-turn" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing policy changes or strategic shifts. However, consider the specific audience and context; more formal alternatives like "a reversal of policy" might be more suitable in some situations.

What's the difference between "a U-turn" and "a change of direction"?

"A U-turn" implies a complete and often abrupt reversal, while "a change of direction" is a more general term that can refer to any alteration in course, whether minor or major. "A U-turn" is more dramatic and specific.