it turns out

USAGE SUMMARY

'it turns out' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express surprise or discovery in the course of telling a story. Example: "I had heard rumors, but it turns out the rumors were false."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, it turns out.

The New York Times

It turns out helpful.

The New York Times - Books

It turns out plenty.

The New York Times

Very, it turns out.

The New York Times

Badly, it turns out.

The Economist

Both, it turns out.

The New York Times - Sports

Plenty, it turns out.

The New York Times

No, it turns out.

The New York Times - Science

Plenty, as it turns out.

The New York Times - Tech

A lot, it turns out.

The New York Times

It turns out I did.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it turns out" to introduce a fact that contrasts with a previous assumption or expectation, adding a touch of surprise or irony to your writing.

Common error

While "it turns out" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "subsequently" or "ascertained" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it turns out" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a discovery or a realization. It often implies a contrast between what was previously believed or expected and what is now known to be true, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

11%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it turns out" is a versatile idiomatic expression used to introduce a discovery or realization, often implying a contrast with prior assumptions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, and suitable for general writing, it may be less appropriate for formal academic or business documents. Consider alternatives like "as it happens" or "it becomes clear" for more formal settings. Remember to use this phrase to add a touch of surprise or irony, highlighting the difference between expectation and reality. Overusing it, especially in formal writing, should be avoided to maintain a sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it becomes clear

Focuses on the gaining of clarity or understanding.

it is revealed

Implies that something previously hidden is now made known.

as it happens

This alternative carries a slightly more formal tone and suggests a coincidental discovery.

it is discovered

Highlights the act of finding something out.

the truth is

Emphasizes that what follows is the actual state of affairs, often contrasting with a misconception.

as it transpires

This is a more formal and literary alternative, emphasizing the unfolding of events.

as it emerges

Suggests that information gradually becomes clear or known.

in reality

Similar to "in actuality" but can also emphasize a contrast with appearances.

in actuality

Contrasts with a previous assumption or expectation.

unexpectedly

This adverb highlights the surprise element of the revelation.

FAQs

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

Use "it turns out" to introduce a discovery, often one that contradicts a previous belief or expectation. For instance: "I thought I knew how to fix it, but "it turns out" I was completely wrong."

What phrases can I use instead of "it turns out"?

Alternatives include "as it happens", "as it transpires", "it becomes clear", or "it is revealed". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "it turns out that" grammatically different from "it turns out"?

Not significantly. "It turns out that" is simply a more explicit version. Both are grammatically sound and widely used. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference and flow.

When is it inappropriate to use "it turns out"?

Avoid using "it turns out" in highly formal contexts, such as academic papers or legal documents, where a more sophisticated and less colloquial phrase would be more appropriate. For instance, "as it emerges" might be a more suitable formal alternative.