miss a turn

USAGE SUMMARY

"miss a turn" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about making a mistake or when referring to a route, specifically when you fail to follow the route. For example: "I missed a turn and ended up going the wrong way," or "I'm sorry—I missed a turn back there, so I'm not sure how to get to the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Sometimes we'd miss a turn and sail over a snow bank, landing on the other side in fits of laughter.

The New York Times - Travel

"Pitching is one of the big things on our club, and when guys miss a turn, it concerns me".

The New York Times - Sports

Hughes is at a tricky crossroads; the more innings he throws now, the greater the chance that he will miss a turn later.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was disappointed, but at the same time things happen during the game," said Liriano, who does not expect to miss a turn.

The New York Times - Sports

The visual cues are big, bold and readable at a glance, and the spoken cues are timed perfectly so that you don't miss a turn.

The New York Times

Playing a 2 forces the next player to play a 2 or, if unable, to draw two cards from stock and miss a turn.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It is rather thrilling, wondering whether One Step at a Time have got you constantly under surveillance (your phone rings if you miss a turning).

Independent

The Cardinals' rotation has been healthy since Carpenter's announcement, with no starter missing a turn.

The New York Times - Sports

After missing a turn, the couple ended up on a two-lane expressway.

The New York Times - Travel

Usually, the brief delay was not a problem, except when I missed a turn.

The New York Times - Tech

The commercial closes with a rider missing a turn and falling off his motorcycle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "miss a turn" in navigation contexts, clarify whether it refers to physical turns (driving, walking) or metaphorical turns (decisions, strategies).

Common error

Avoid using "miss a turn" interchangeably with phrases like "miss the point." While both involve missing something, the former is literal (navigation), while the latter is figurative (understanding).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "miss a turn" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of failing to follow the correct path or direction, especially in a navigational context. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a mistake in following a route.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "miss a turn" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase that describes the action of failing to follow the correct route or direction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is widely accepted and understood. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of its literal meaning related to navigation and avoid confusion with more figurative expressions. Consider alternatives like "take a wrong turning" or "fail to turn" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a wrong turning

Indicates making an incorrect choice of direction.

fail to turn

Focuses on the action of not executing the turn.

skip a turning

Emphasizes the act of bypassing a specific turning point.

go past the turnoff

Highlights the action of exceeding the desired exit or turning point.

overshoot the corner

Used when referring to turning a corner and going too far.

neglect to veer

Implies that failing to veer at the right moment resulted in going off course.

stray from the path

Indicates a deviation from the intended route.

veer off course

Suggests an unintentional change in direction.

misread the directions

Emphasizes an incorrect understanding of the route, leading to an error.

lose one's way

General term for becoming lost or disoriented.

FAQs

How can I use "miss a turn" in a sentence?

You can use "miss a turn" to describe a navigational error, such as "I "missed a turn" and had to reroute" or "The driver "missed a turn", adding time to the trip".

What is a more formal way to say "miss a turn"?

In a more formal setting, consider using phrases like "fail to execute the turn" or "deviate from the planned route." These options provide a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is it correct to say "missed a turning" instead of "miss a turn"?

While "miss a turn" is more common, "miss a turning" can also be used, especially in British English. Both are grammatically correct, but "miss a turn" is generally preferred in American English.

What happens if I "miss a turn" while using a GPS?

Most GPS devices will automatically recalculate a new route if you "miss a turn", guiding you back on track. However, always pay attention to your surroundings and drive safely.