it turns itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it turns itself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a process or mechanism that operates autonomously or self-initiates without external intervention. Example: "The device is designed so that it turns itself when the temperature reaches a certain level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

If a high-end oven gets too hot, it turns itself off; it may also track how fast its temperature is rising or falling and the temperature of the kitchen outside, making adjustments accordingly.

Science Magazine

It turns itself off after 10 minutes.

The New York Times

I turn the computer on, and watch as it turns itself off.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A CD, you can stick in, and walk away, and it turns itself off.

The Guardian - Music

Anyway, after about half an hour, Mr. Freeman's show does get intermittently interesting because it turns itself more directly to the Creator question.

The New York Times - Arts

When it turns itself off automatically and can signal that you're braking even before you stop.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The concept of a Northeast Passage was at first favoured by the English: it was thought that, although its entry was in high latitudes, it "turning itself, trendeth towards the southeast…and stretcheth directly to Cathay".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The magazine claims Chicago recovered because it "turned itself inside out to regain the support of its students and recruiters".

The Economist

Having started life as a protest movement, it turned itself last week into a full-fledged party.

The Economist

At the end of 2001, The New York Times Magazine tried something new: it turned itself into an encyclopedia for a week.

The New York Times - Magazine

On the day it turned itself on, Mr. Melnikov recalled, his cellphone had rung in the kitchen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing automated systems or processes, use "it turns itself" to emphasize the self-regulating or autonomous nature of the action. This highlights the design feature that requires no manual intervention.

Common error

Avoid using "it turns itself" when the action requires any external trigger or condition to initiate. The phrase should be reserved for actions that are fully automated without user input. For example, it would be wrong to say a light "turns itself" on when activated by a motion sensor, as the motion is an external trigger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it turns itself" functions as a declarative statement describing the autonomous action of an object or system. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase signifies self-regulation or automatic behavior. The reflexive pronoun "itself" emphasizes that the action is performed by the subject on itself.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it turns itself" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the autonomous actions of an object or system. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is most often used in neutral contexts, specifically in news media and technical writing. It serves to inform about an automated function and emphasize the lack of external intervention. Be mindful to use it only when the action is fully self-initiated and avoid when any external triggers or conditions are required. As indicated by Ludwig, related phrases include "it shuts down on its own" and "it switches off automatically", which can be used as alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it switches off automatically

This alternative emphasizes the automatic deactivation aspect, focusing on the cessation of operation without external input.

it shuts down on its own

Similar to "it switches off automatically", this phrase highlights the self-initiated termination of a process or function.

it powers down by itself

This phrase is more technical, emphasizing the self-initiated reduction of power or energy consumption.

it activates automatically

This focuses on the initiation of action, contrasting with the cessation implied in the original phrase.

it deactivates by itself

This is a direct antonym, highlighting the self-triggered stopping of a process or system.

it goes off automatically

This alternative is more informal, implying a sudden cessation of function.

it reconfigures itself

This alternative emphasizes a self-directed change in configuration or structure.

it transforms unaided

Focuses on autonomous change and metamorphism.

it adapts autonomously

This implies a self-directed adjustment to new conditions or environments.

it self-terminates

This phrase is more formal and technical, emphasizing the programmed ending of a process.

FAQs

How can I use "it turns itself" in a sentence?

Use "it turns itself" to describe an action that an object or system performs autonomously. For example, "The oven is designed so that "it turns itself off" if it gets too hot."

What are some alternatives to "it turns itself"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it shuts down on its own", "it switches off automatically", or "it powers down by itself", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it turns itself"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase uses the reflexive pronoun "itself" correctly to indicate that the subject "it" is performing the action on itself.

What's the difference between "it turns itself off" and "it is turned off"?

"It turns itself off" implies an automated action performed by the object itself, while "it is turned off" suggests that someone or something else is performing the action. The first indicates autonomy, and the second indicates external intervention.