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 strange shadow in the corner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

When using "as I turned", ensure that the subsequent clause logically follows the turning action, creating a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

Common error

Avoid dangling modifiers by ensuring the subject of the clause following "as I turned" is clearly defined and logically connected to the action. For example, avoid sentences like: "As I turned, the door slammed shut," if it's not clear who is turning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as I turned" functions primarily as a temporal conjunction, introducing a clause that describes an event occurring simultaneously with the act of turning. It sets the scene for a narrative, indicating a shift in perspective or direction, and often introduces a consequential observation or action. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

5%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as I turned" is a common and grammatically correct conjunction phrase used to indicate simultaneous actions during a turning motion. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase appears predominantly in News & Media, suggesting its widespread use in descriptive and narrative contexts. While generally neutral, it helps establish a sense of immediacy and sets the scene for subsequent events. When employing this phrase, be mindful of dangling modifiers to ensure clarity and logical flow. Consider "upon turning" for a more formal tone or "when I veered" to specify changing directions. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "as I turned" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon turning

Formal alternative, emphasizing the moment of rotation or change in direction.

when i veered

Emphasizes a change in direction, often to avoid an obstacle or follow a different path.

on my turning

Highlights the action of turning as a focal point.

as i pivoted

Suggests a more deliberate and controlled turn, often used in strategic contexts.

shifting my gaze

Focuses on the change in visual focus rather than physical rotation.

changing direction

A more general way to indicate a shift in course or focus.

altering my course

Implies a change in planned route or approach.

as i wheeled around

Suggests a sudden and rapid turn, often implying surprise or urgency.

looking back

Focuses on the act of looking in the opposite direction, often implying reflection or reconsideration.

as my perspective shifted

Highlights a change in viewpoint or understanding, rather than a physical turn.

FAQs

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

You can use "as I turned" to describe a simultaneous action that occurred while you were physically turning, for example, "As I turned, I noticed a cat in the garden".

What are some alternatives to "as I turned"?

Alternatives include "upon turning", "when I turned", or "on turning". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "upon turning" instead of "as I turned"?

Yes, "upon turning" is generally considered more formal than "as I turned". Use "upon turning" in formal writing or speech, and "as I turned" in more casual contexts.

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

"As I turned" implies the actions happened simultaneously. "After I turned" suggests a sequence, where the turning action was completed before the other action began.