it turns on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it turns on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is dependent on or influenced by a particular factor or condition. Example: "The success of the project really turns on the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Horribly, the matter of American sexual violence depends on the credibility of its victims, which means that it turns on this cheap theater of "credibility".

Huffington Post

Its unique contribution to the Cellphone Simplicity movement: It turns on with a quick tap — not a long press — on the Power button.

The New York Times - Tech

(If a computer is turned off, the changes are made the next time it turns on).

The New York Times - Tech

Designed for Flos by Marcel Wanders, who seems destined to become design's poet laureate, it turns on or off with a single puff, via an electronic sensor.

The New York Times - Magazine

The lamp is made of a semitransparent shell of polycarbonate and has no switch; it turns on at a touch of the rim.

The New York Times

If it turns on, it is running just fine.

WikiHow

When it turns on again, you should have a normal iPod/iPhone with Cydia installed.

WikiHow

Check to see if it turns on by sliding the Power button on.

WikiHow

Make this even easier by attaching a timer to the hose so it turns on and off automatically.

WikiHow

In case there is a leakage in the valve when it turns on, the inner insert is perhaps broken and requires replacement.

WikiHow

Put a lamp or light on a timer, so that it turns on and off even when you are not home.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "it turns on" in overly formal contexts where more sophisticated vocabulary might be preferred. In such scenarios, "it hinges on" or "it depends on" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid assuming that correlation implies causation when using "it turns on". Just because two events occur together doesn't mean one directly activates the other. For instance, stating 'The economy turns on the stock market' without solid evidence can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it turns on" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It's used to describe the activation of something, whether physical (like a device) or conceptual (like a process). Ludwig provides examples of both usages, illustrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

22%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it turns on" is a versatile verb phrase signifying activation, dependence, or critical influence, as affirmed by Ludwig. Grammatically correct and very common, it finds extensive use in news, media, and technical writing. While generally neutral in tone, contexts demanding higher formality might benefit from synonyms like ""it depends on"" or "it hinges on". Remember to avoid causation fallacies when employing the phrase, and be specific about what initiates the action. Ludwig showcases the phrase's diverse applications, reinforcing its significance in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is dependent on

Directly states a state of reliance and is generally interchangeable, depending on context.

it depends on

Indicates a conditional relationship where the outcome is contingent on a specific factor, similar to how something "turns on" a condition.

it hinges on

Emphasizes that the result or success is critically dependent on a single, crucial aspect.

it is activated by

Focuses on the cause that initiates a process or function, mirroring how something "turns on".

it is triggered by

Highlights the stimulus or event that sets something in motion, like turning something on.

it is contingent upon

Stresses that the event is dependent on a prior condition being met.

it relies on

Indicates a reliance on a particular factor for functionality or outcome, synonymous with the dependence implied by "it turns on".

it is predicated on

Suggests the event is based or founded on a particular assumption or condition.

it is conditional on

Explicitly states that the event is not guaranteed and requires a specific condition to be true.

it pivots on

Implies a crucial turning point or deciding factor, similar to something that determines whether a switch is turned on or off.

FAQs

What does "it turns on" mean in a sentence?

In a sentence, "it turns on" typically means that something becomes active, starts functioning, or depends critically on a specific factor. For example, "The lamp turns on when you flip the switch" or "The success of the plan "it depends on" careful execution".

What are some alternatives to "it turns on"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "it turns on" with phrases like ""it depends on"", "it hinges on", "it is activated by", or "it is triggered by".

Is it correct to say "it turns on" in formal writing?

Yes, "it turns on" is grammatically correct, but in very formal writing, consider alternatives like "it is contingent upon" or "it relies on" for a more sophisticated tone.

How does "it turns on" differ from "it relies on"?

"It turns on" often suggests a more immediate or switch-like dependence, like a light activating. "It relies on" implies a more general dependence or support. For example, 'The engine turns on the fuel injection system', but 'The car relies on its engine to move'.