a turn backward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a turn backward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a regression or a return to a previous state or condition. Example: "The new policy is seen as a turn backward in our efforts to promote equality in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For South Korea's beleaguered liberals, having a woman lead the country will not automatically change that and is little compensation for what they see as a turn backward, given her policies on the North and on conglomerates.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

| July 6 and July 14 at 2 and July 12 at 8: Handel's "Giulio Cesare" marks a swift turn backward to the grandeur of Baroque opera.

The New Yorker

In that way, it was much different because instead of it being lots of different characters, it's a single character that has many different facets, so I got to really explore how to augment and change and turn on its side and turn upside down and turn backward, a theme for a single character.

Vice

To gallop at full speed, turn backward and shoot a deadly arrow at a distant foe was only one of their many skills.

The New York Times

In a process called net metering, electric meters turn backward and customers get credit for excess electricity that flows back to LIPA.

The New York Times

The nuclear accord with Iran could be a turning point for the country, or it could be yet another turn backward that consolidates the rule of the ayatollahs.

Huffington Post

And sometimes it's Americans paying Brits to turn backward.

The Guardian - Opinion

On Feb. 15, how many turn backward to the sinking of the battleship Maine in 1898?

The New York Times

I am begging this court not to turn backward to the barbarous past.

The Guardian

From a four-measure theme, Bach spun out 90 minutes of subjects that overlap, turn upside down, invert, mirror, augment and even turn backward.

The New York Times

When you click the button, the sticky note will turn backward and show you colour options you can choose from.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative phrases like "a step backward" or "a regression" for clarity and conciseness, depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a turn backward" when simply describing progress or change. This phrase specifically indicates a negative reversion to a previous state, not a general advancement or evolution. Ensure that the context explicitly implies a return to prior conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a turn backward" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a specific instance or action of regressing or reverting to a previous state. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a turn backward" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that signifies a negative regression or reversion to a previous state, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While its frequency is rare, it's primarily found in news and media contexts, where it's used to express concern about regressive changes or policies. For alternative phrasing, consider "a step backward" or "a regression", depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a step backward

This alternative directly replaces 'turn' with 'step', maintaining the same meaning of moving in a reverse direction.

a regression

This noun encapsulates the idea of returning to a former state, especially a less developed one.

a relapse

This term implies a return to a previous, typically negative, condition or behavior.

a throwback

This phrase indicates a return to something from the past, often something outdated.

a reversal

This noun signifies a change to an opposite direction or state.

a downturn

This phrase specifically suggests a decline in economic or other activity.

a fall back

This term suggests reverting to a previous position or strategy.

a slide back

This phrase describes a gradual return to a previous, often undesirable, state.

a going back

This alternative is a more literal and straightforward way of saying 'returning'.

a retreat

This noun implies withdrawing from a position or course of action.

FAQs

What does "a turn backward" mean?

The phrase "a turn backward" refers to a change or shift that moves in the opposite direction of progress, essentially returning to a previous state, condition, or practice. It often implies a negative or undesirable change.

How to use "a turn backward" in a sentence?

You can use "a turn backward" to describe a policy, decision, or trend that represents a regression. For example: "The new regulations are seen as "a turn backward" in environmental protection."

Which is correct, "a turn backward" or "turning backward"?

"A turn backward" functions as a noun phrase, describing an action or event, while "turning backward" is a verb phrase, describing the process of reversing direction. The choice depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence.

What can I say instead of "a turn backward"?

You can use alternatives like "a step backward", "a regression", or "a relapse" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.