he turned to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he turned to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a physical action of facing or changing direction towards something or someone. It can also be used figuratively to describe a change in focus or attention. Example: After hearing his name called, John turned to see who was calling him. Example: The company turned to new strategies after facing financial difficulties. Example: She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to find her friend standing behind her. Example: Tom turned to his wife for support during his job interview.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He turned to Theresa.

The New Yorker

He turned to Bieber.

The New Yorker

He turned to alcohol.

The New Yorker

He turned to Janelle.

The New Yorker

He turned to Ramos.

The New Yorker

He turned to science.

The New York Times - Science

He turned to Zatorre.

The New Yorker

He turned to flee.

The New York Times

He turned to Booz.

The New Yorker

He turned to McGowan.

The New Yorker

He turned to Miles.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he turned to" to clearly indicate a change in direction, focus, or reliance on someone or something.

Common error

Avoid using "he turned to" when a more specific verb accurately describes the action, such as "consulted", "appealed", or "approached".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he turned to" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a change in direction, focus, or reliance. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts to denote a shift in behavior or seeking assistance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he turned to" is a versatile expression indicating a shift in direction, focus, or reliance. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently encountered, particularly in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its specific nuance is shaped by the surrounding context. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended change in action or focus, and avoid overuse when more specific verbs might be more descriptive. Replace it with other alternatives if it does not fit, such as: "he resorted to", "he switched to" or "he looked to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he looked to

Suggests seeking help, guidance, or support from someone or something.

he resorted to

Indicates a course of action taken when other options have failed, often implying a negative connotation.

he directed his attention to

Emphasizes a conscious shift in focus and effort.

he switched to

Suggests a change from one thing to another, implying a deliberate decision.

he opted for

Implies a choice or selection from available alternatives.

he gravitated towards

Implies a natural inclination or attraction towards something or someone.

he adopted

Implies taking up or making something one's own.

he began to

Indicates the start of a new action or behavior.

he embraced

Suggests a willing acceptance and adoption of something new.

he addressed

Focuses on dealing with or confronting a situation or problem.

FAQs

How can I use "he turned to" in a sentence?

Use "he turned to" to show a shift in direction, focus, or when someone seeks help or adopts a new approach. For example, "After failing the exam, he turned to studying with a tutor".

What can I say instead of "he turned to"?

You can use alternatives like "he resorted to", "he looked to", or "he switched to" depending on the context.

Is "he turned to" formal or informal?

"He turned to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The specific tone will depend on the surrounding words and overall situation.

What's the difference between "he turned to" and "he turned into"?

"He turned to" indicates a shift in focus or reliance, while "he turned into" implies a transformation or change of state. For example, "He turned to his friend for advice" versus "He turned into a successful businessman".