it turns out not to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it turns out not to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when revealing a conclusion or outcome that differs from what was previously assumed or expected. Example: "After conducting the experiment, it turns out not to be as effective as we had hoped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It turns out not to be true.

The Guardian

And it turns out not to be so easy.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That part of it turns out not to be true.

The New York Times - Books

But what if it turns out not to be real?

The New York Times - Books

And when it turns out not to be, then maybe Britain can really talk about reform.

The Economist

We're going to be pretty cheesed off it turns out not to be the case.

Independent

It has already happened, but it turns out not to have mattered very much.

The Guardian

It turns out not to be just a pleasant stroll around the edgelands but an exploration.

The Guardian - Books

But it is far more expensive, as it turns out, not to do so.

The New Yorker

It turns out not to apply exclusively — or even primarily — to Lili.

The New York Times

Thank you for Colson Whitehead's "How to Write," because it turns out not to be "How to".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it turns out not to" to introduce a discovery that contradicts prior assumptions or expectations. This can add an element of surprise or irony to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it turns out not to" when simply stating a fact without any prior assumption or expectation. This phrase implies a reversal or contradiction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it turns out not to" functions as an introductory phrase that signals a reversal or contradiction of a previous assumption or expectation. It's used to introduce a discovery or realization that something is different from what was initially believed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it turns out not to" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to introduce a revelation that contradicts prior assumptions. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's commonly used across diverse contexts, from news and media to academic discussions, though its tone is generally neutral. To enhance clarity, use it to present a contrasting viewpoint, but avoid it when simply stating a fact. Remember, the phrase is all about highlighting the difference between expectation and reality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it proves not to be

Suggests that evidence has shown the initial assumption to be false.

it appears not to be

More formal and tentative, suggesting a cautious conclusion.

it seems not to be

Similar to 'it appears not to be', but slightly less formal.

it doesn't seem to be

A more direct and informal way of expressing a lack of expected outcome.

it happens not to be

Focuses on the accidental or coincidental nature of the outcome.

it turned out otherwise

A concise way to indicate a different outcome than expected.

as it turned out, not so

Short expression, mostly used in informal conversations, emphasis on unexpected events.

contrary to expectations

Emphasizes the contrast between the expected and actual result.

as events transpired, it wasn't

Formal phrase meaning that the reality eventually uncovered didn't confirm the initial assumptions.

against all odds

Emphasizes surprise and/or improbability of the result.

FAQs

How can I use "it turns out not to" in a sentence?

Use "it turns out not to" to introduce a fact that contradicts a previous assumption. For example, "We thought the project would be delayed, but "it turns out not to" be."

What's a more formal alternative to "it turns out not to"?

A more formal alternative is "it appears not to be" or "it seems not to be", which convey a similar meaning with a slightly more cautious tone.

Is "it turns out not to be" always followed by a verb?

Yes, "it turns out not to be" is typically followed by a verb or adjective phrase that describes the actual state of affairs, contrasting with the initial expectation. For instance, "it turns out not to be true".

Can I use "it turns out not to" at the beginning of a sentence?

While less common, it's grammatically acceptable to start a sentence with "It turns out not to". However, it's often more effective to introduce the initial expectation or assumption first for clarity. For example, "Despite initial concerns, "it turns out not to" be a problem after all."