can turn to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can turn to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone can rely on or seek help from someone or something in a particular situation. Example: "When faced with challenges, many people can turn to their friends for support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then you can turn to CloudMagic.

The New York Times - Tech

Have someone you can turn to debrief.

Cornell University

can turn to for help in this matter.

Princeton University

The only thing he can turn to is the government.

The New Yorker

Otherwise, public confidence can turn to dust in a hurry.

The New Yorker

I can turn to any page and be satisfied.

The New York Times

"Or you can turn to a U.S. company.

The Washington Post

But love and lust can turn to hate and loathing.

The New York Times - Arts

Too much cooking and it can turn to purée.

The New York Times - Food

They can turn to extended families and NGOs for help.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Have someone who you can turn to--a departmental advisor, or chair," suggests Lakefield.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can turn to", ensure that the subject clearly indicates who or what is seeking assistance or changing focus. For example, "Students can turn to their advisors for guidance."

Common error

Avoid using "can turn to" when a more direct verb like 'choose' or 'select' would be more appropriate. Ensure the context genuinely implies seeking assistance or changing direction, not simply making a preference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can turn to" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or ability to seek assistance, guidance, or a change in direction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, evident in examples where individuals or entities seek support or consider alternative options.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

37%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can turn to" is a versatile and commonly used modal verb phrase that indicates the availability of support, assistance, or a change in focus. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability across various contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, "can turn to" offers a reliable way to express the potential for seeking help or considering alternative options. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of seeking assistance or shifting direction, and be mindful of alternative expressions that may offer greater precision depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can rely on

Similar to 'depend on', stressing the ability to count on something or someone.

can depend on

Focuses on the reliability and trustworthiness of the source of support.

can seek help from

Directly indicates the act of asking for assistance.

can resort to

Emphasizes a last-option or less desirable course of action.

can look to

Suggests considering someone or something as a source of guidance or inspiration.

can have recourse to

A more formal way of saying 'can turn to', suggesting a legal or official means of seeking help.

can direct attention to

Implies shifting focus or consideration towards a specific subject.

can have access to

Highlights the availability of resources or support.

can make use of

Similar to 'utilise', but with a slightly more active connotation.

can utilise

Focuses on the practical application or use of available resources.

FAQs

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

Use "can turn to" to indicate that someone or something is able to seek help, guidance, or support from a particular source. For example: "In times of need, many people "can turn to" their family for support."

What are some alternatives to "can turn to"?

You can use alternatives like "can depend on", "can rely on", or "can seek help from" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "can turn to" and "can refer to"?

"Can turn to" implies seeking assistance or support, whereas "can refer to" suggests directing someone's attention to a source of information or reference.

Is "can turn to" formal or informal?

"Can turn to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.