several turns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several turns" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe multiple changes in direction or shifts in a process, often in contexts like driving, games, or discussions. Example: "After several turns, we finally reached the scenic overlook that we had been searching for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Food

Travel

Sports

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Top each with several turns of fresh black pepper.

The New York Times - Food

Uganda has had several turns in the media glare this past decade, mostly for unhappy reasons.

The New York Times

The three women can attest to good fortune at several turns.

The New York Times

Judging from the pretrial briefs, Mr. Stoker's defense is likely to take several turns.

The New York Times

But at several turns, they challenged the agency's assertion of "numerous serious deficiencies" in their program.

The New York Times

Mr. Noto cast the actors, paid the bills and even took several turns onstage.

The New York Times - Arts

After making several turns, the plane struck the edge of the tower.

The New York Times

Ms. Morris and Mr. Sullivan traded several turns at the lectern as the arguments swiftly escalated.

The New York Times

At several turns this season, the Eagles could have folded but did not.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet, despite its swift rise, the company has stumbled at several turns on the way to the public markets.

The New York Times

Tact personified, the woman somehow resisted the impulse to grab his nose with her fist and give it several turns counterclockwise till it made a ratcheting noise.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical path or route, use "several turns" to indicate that there are multiple changes in direction. For instance, "The road had "several turns" before reaching the summit."

Common error

Avoid using "several turns" when describing emotional or abstract shifts. Use it mainly for describing direction or rotation. For example, instead of "The conversation took "several turns"", use "The conversation evolved through different phases."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several turns" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It describes a quantity of rotations, changes in direction, or shifts in a process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Food

5%

Travel

5%

Sports

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several turns" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe multiple changes in direction, shifts in a process, or rotations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct. It is commonly found in various contexts, including News & Media and Science and Wiki, as indicated by its usage patterns. It’s important to consider the specific context when using "several turns", and to use it mainly for describing direction or rotation. Related phrases, such as "multiple turns" or "a number of rotations", can provide alternative ways to convey similar meanings. This makes "several turns" a reliable choice for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number of rotations

Replaces "turns" with "rotations", implying a circular movement or change in orientation.

a few shifts

Substitutes "turns" with "shifts", suggesting changes in position or perspective.

repeated revolutions

Implies a complete circular motion or cycle happening more than once.

various bends

Emphasizes the physical aspect of changing direction, particularly in a path or course.

a series of curves

Specifically refers to a sequence of curved movements or shapes.

successive twists

Focuses on the act of turning or winding in a sequence.

multiple deviations

Highlights departures from a straight path or standard course.

frequent redirections

Highlights the act of changing direction often.

numerous alterations

Focuses on changes or modifications, particularly in a process or plan.

several detours

Suggests temporary deviations from a planned route or course.

FAQs

How can I use "several turns" in a sentence?

"Several turns" can be used to describe physical movements or changes in direction. For example, "The path had several turns before reaching the summit", or "He added several turns of fresh black pepper to the pasta".

What are some alternatives to "several turns"?

You can use alternatives such as "multiple turns", "a few shifts", or "a number of rotations" depending on the specific context.

Is "several turns" grammatically correct?

Yes, "several turns" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It is used to indicate more than two turns or rotations.

What is the difference between "several turns" and "many turns"?

While both phrases indicate multiple turns, "several turns" usually implies a smaller, more definite number, whereas "many turns" suggests a larger, less specific quantity. The choice depends on the desired level of precision.