degree turn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "degree turn" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a specific angle of rotation, often in contexts like navigation or geometry. For example, "The pilot executed a 90-degree turn to the left." Alternative expressions include "angle of turn" and "turning angle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Then, I took a 180 degree turn into finance.

Stanford University

The implications of the term "smuggler" have taken a 180 degree turn in the 21st century.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here's where I'm going to take a ninety degree turn.

TechCrunch

This was a 180 degree turn from the previous administration.

Huffington Post

The 180 degree turn in the middle is the stuff screams are made of.

Vice

As for the decor, Umbel said he's making a 180 degree turn from Hook.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It's a 180-degree turn".

The New York Times

They seemed a 180-degree turn.

The Washington Post

The Bush administration is thus making a 180-degree turn.

The New York Times

But now Mr. Olmert has made a 180-degree turn.

The New York Times

For this show, we're making a 180-degree turn..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always specify the numerical magnitude (90, 180, 360) to provide necessary context for the reader

Common error

Avoid using a "360-degree turn" to describe a complete change of mind or direction. Geometrically, a 360-degree rotation brings you back to your original starting point. To express a total reversal, always use a "180-degree turn" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "degree turn" functions as a compound noun phrase where "degree" quantifies the magnitude of the "turn". According to Ludwig AI, it is almost exclusively preceded by a cardinal number or an adjective like "sharp". In sentences, it acts as the object of verbs like "make", "execute" or "perform".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "degree turn" is a robust and essential phrase for describing directional shifts. Ludwig AI demonstrates that while it has clear geometric origins, its metaphorical use in News & Media to describe reversals in policy or opinion is equally prevalent. The phrase is grammatically versatile but requires careful hyphenation when used as a compound adjective. Writers should be especially mindful of the logical difference between a 180-degree and a 360-degree shift to ensure their intended meaning is accurately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about-face

Indicates a sudden and complete reversal in attitude or policy

about-turn

Primarily British English equivalent to the military about-face

u-turn

Refers specifically to a 180-degree reversal often used in political or driving contexts

reversal

A broader term for any change to an opposite state or direction

pivot

Suggests a strategic shift in direction while maintaining a central point of focus

volte-face

A more formal and literary way to describe a total change of opinion

complete shift

Focuses on the magnitude of the change rather than the specific angle

angular rotation

A technical and scientific term focusing on the geometry of the movement

ideological shift

Used when the 180-degree change relates specifically to beliefs or politics

tangential move

Describes a change that moves away from the main path at an angle

FAQs

How do I use "degree turn" in a sentence?

You can use it literally or figuratively. For example: "The vehicle executed a sharp 90-degree turn" or "The company made a 180-degree turn in its marketing strategy".

What can I say instead of "degree turn"?

Depending on the intensity and context, you can use terms like "u-turn", "about-face", or "reversal".

Is it "180 degree turn" or "180-degree turn"?

If it is used as a compound adjective before the noun "turn", the standard rule is to include a hyphen as in "180-degree turn".

Should I use 180 or 360 to mean a total change?

You should use 180. A "pivot" of 180 degrees indicates facing the opposite direction, whereas 360 degrees means you have returned to the original position.