a complete turn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete turn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a full rotation or a significant change in direction or opinion. Example: "After much consideration, she made a complete turn in her approach to the project, opting for a more collaborative strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Really??! It's a complete turn off to me.

The New Yorker

Several insisted they had experienced a complete turn to heterosexuality.

The New York Times

— PHIL COFFIN Holliday does a complete turn before catching Elvis Andrus's fly for the last out.

The New York Times

Each column stays in position until it is reset by the electromagnets after the wheel makes a complete turn.

The New York Times - Tech

From a teacher's standpoint, we used him as a model in many respects -- make a complete turn, the passiveness in his legs.

The New York Times - Sports

After a complete turn around, the production skills this 'Kid' has always possessed are now being engineered to make a much more subtle, but equally dramatic sound.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The old ways of doing politics are a complete turn-off for the public.

The Guardian - Opinion

"So I grew up breathing far more methanol than I probably should have, and as a 6-year-old walking around the pits and watching my brother and dad race, that was a complete turn-on to me".

The New York Times

"We are creating a complete turn-key experience and concierge service dressing them from head to toe", said Elko.

Huffington Post

"I was raised by a feminist mother, so almost all dudes and their misogyny were a complete turn-off".

Vice

And yet, in that international arena, American-style war, as in Iraq or Afghanistan, is a complete turn-off and real-world all-American triumph just doesn't fly any more.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a complete turn" to clearly convey a 360-degree rotation or a significant change in direction, strategy, or perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "a complete turn" when describing minor adjustments or slight modifications; reserve it for instances involving significant and fundamental shifts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete turn" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a full rotation or significant shift in direction, opinion, or strategy. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a complete turn" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a full rotation or a significant shift. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki. Its register is generally neutral, and it serves to emphasize the totality of a change. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations involving truly substantial shifts, and consider alternatives like "a full circle" or "a total reversal" depending on the nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a full circle

Implies returning to the starting point, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the change.

a total reversal

Highlights a complete change to the opposite direction or position.

a radical shift

Emphasizes the dramatic and fundamental nature of the change.

a 180-degree change

Specifically indicates a change to the exact opposite direction.

a turnaround

Focuses on the positive aspect of a change, suggesting improvement or recovery.

a change of heart

Refers specifically to a change in someone's feelings or opinion.

a complete about-face

Implies a sudden and often surprising change in policy or opinion.

a U-turn

Suggests reversing a decision or course of action.

a total transformation

Highlights a thorough and dramatic change in form or appearance.

a major adjustment

Implies a change made to adapt to new circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "a complete turn" in a sentence?

You can use "a complete turn" to describe a physical rotation, as in "The wheel made "a complete turn"". Alternatively, use it to describe a change in strategy or opinion, such as, "The company took "a complete turn" in its marketing approach".

What phrases can I use instead of "a complete turn"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a full circle", "a total reversal", or "a radical shift".

Is it correct to say "a complete turning" instead of "a complete turn"?

While grammatically possible, "a complete turning" is less common. "A complete turn" is generally preferred for its simplicity and wider usage.

What's the difference between "a complete turn" and "a complete turnaround"?

"A complete turn" generally refers to a full rotation or a significant shift. "A complete turnaround" often implies a positive change, suggesting improvement or recovery from a negative situation.