as I turned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as I turned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action of turning, often in a narrative context, indicating a moment of change or realization. Example: "As I turned to leave the room, I noticed a small note on the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As I turned the corner . . .

The New Yorker

As I turned, I was this close to him".

The New Yorker

I was entranced as I turned over page after page.

The New York Times

As I turned another switch, it became apparent that I had lost some sense of direction.

The New Yorker

I knew this because, as I turned around, my travelling companion Becky, said "don't move".

Independent

But as I turned on to PM on Thursday afternoon it turned out I had miscalculated.

The Guardian

As I turned to walk home, I heard a voice behind me.

The New York Times - Magazine

As I turned around and said yes, I realized whom I was talking to.

The New York Times

As I turned to walk to the subway, a sign caught my eye: ST.

The New York Times

As I turned the page, the man standing next to me collapsed.

The New Yorker

As I turned back toward him, I caught two other girls staring at me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "as I turned" with descriptive language to enhance the reader's experience, painting a vivid picture of what was seen or felt at that moment.

Common error

Avoid using "as I turned" in scenarios that don't involve a physical act of turning or a change in perspective. This phrase implies movement and action, so it's inappropriate for static or unchanging situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as I turned" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by indicating when something occurred. Ludwig AI examples show its use in narrative contexts to introduce a sudden realization or change in scene.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as I turned" is a versatile and common adverbial clause used to indicate a temporal relationship between the act of turning and a subsequent event. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in narrative contexts. To enhance your writing, employ "as I turned" to create immediacy and draw readers into the moment of discovery. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, avoid misusing it in static descriptions. Remember to consider related phrases like "upon turning" for alternative nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon turning

Formal synonym indicating immediate action following the turning motion.

when I pivoted

Emphasizes a quick, sharp turn or change in direction.

as I veered

Indicates a sudden or unexpected change in direction.

as I wheeled around

Suggests a fast and possibly surprised turning motion.

while rotating

Emphasizes the physical act of turning or spinning.

shifting my gaze

Highlights the change in visual focus.

as I swiveled

Describes turning on a fixed point or axis.

altering my course

More general, focusing on the change in direction or plan.

modifying my direction

Formal alternative, implying a deliberate change in path.

upon reorientation

Formal, suggesting a deliberate change in alignment or perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "as I turned" effectively in a sentence?

Use "as I turned" to indicate a shift in perspective or direction, often revealing something new. For example, "As I turned the corner, I saw a crowd gathered."

What are some alternatives to "as I turned"?

Consider alternatives like "upon turning", "when I pivoted", or "as I wheeled around" for different nuances of turning.

Is "as I turned" formal or informal?

"As I turned" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing.

What's the difference between "as I turned" and "when I turned"?

"As I turned" emphasizes the action of turning as the moment something happened, while "when I turned" simply indicates that something happened at the time of turning. The former implies more of a direct consequence or immediate observation.