take a turn around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a turn around" is not correct in standard English; it should be "take a turn" or "take a turn around something." You can use it when describing a change in direction or a physical movement around an object or area.
Example: "We decided to take a turn around the park to enjoy the scenery."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Who wouldn't want to scratch his tongue, look into that plum-size eye, take a turn around the bay pen on his back?

The New Yorker

You can stroll by the French-style 19th-century mansions of La Roma or take a turn around Parque México in Condesa.

The New York Times - Travel

Frankly, when I turn up at a hotel and find a teddy bear on my bed, I'm sold before I even take a turn around the room.

The Guardian - Travel

There is a similar predictability in the choice of settings, which constitute a kind of sightseeing tour of New York City: here is Central Park looking lovely in the snow; next the Oyster Bar at Grand Central Station; now let's take a turn around the Museum of Natural History.

The Guardian - Books

paris.fr tooeyotoole Canal St Martin Hang out with the beautiful young things along the cobbled walkways next to the water and admire the green wrought-iron swing bridges as the boats go past, or take a turn around the quartier surrounding rue de Lancry.

The Guardian - Travel

You can take a turn around Rem Koolhaas's magnificent, wonky cuboid concert hall beside the city's busy Rotunda da Boavista roundabout even if you don't take in a show: There are guided tours in English every day at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Don't leave without checking out the views from the 1,300-seat 1,300-seattorium, and the diamond-shaped bar Grandd into the roof.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Trump's television narrative took a turn around 2011.

The New Yorker

Racing to get to the dock before the ship left, and running late, our driver took a turn around a roundabout too hard and slammed into its centre.

The Guardian - Travel

Several years ago, Jeff Koons and his wife, Justine, took a turn around the Palace of Versailles near Paris, where an exhibition of his work had just opened.

The Guardian - Arts

Frankie Bridge, Denise Lewis, Ainsley Harriott, Pamela Stephenson Connolly, Gethin Jones and Melvin Odoom will be taking a turn around the dancefloor this evening, paying tribute to all our festive family film favourites.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Before returning to rehearsal, he took a turn around the garden, where plaques bearing quotations were peeking above the snow, like wary crocuses.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement in a space, consider using more grammatically sound alternatives like "take a walk around" or "go around". These options provide clarity and avoid potential confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "take a turn around" when you mean simply "to go around". While occasionally used, it's not considered standard English. Instead, consider using "go around" or "walk around" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a turn around" functions idiomatically to suggest exploring or moving within a defined area. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is not entirely correct in standard English, but it's used to describe sightseeing or informal exploration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "take a turn around" appears in various contexts, Ludwig AI advises that it's not considered standard English. Its function is to describe exploring or moving within an area, with a neutral to informal register. It's most frequently found in news and media sources, but more grammatically sound alternatives such as "go around" or "take a walk around" are generally preferred. The phrase's occurrence is uncommon and its correctness is disputed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go around

A simpler way to indicate movement encircling something or through an area.

take a walk around

Replaces "turn" with "walk", emphasizing a leisurely exploration of an area.

make a turn around

Highlights change of direction around a certain spot, not necessarily an exploration.

stroll around

Similar to "take a walk around", but implies a more relaxed and unhurried pace.

circle around

Emphasizes the act of moving in a circular path.

wander around

Suggests a less directed exploration, implying a lack of specific destination.

explore

A more general term that encompasses the act of discovering and learning about a place.

tour

Implies a structured visit to multiple locations, typically with a guide.

look around

Focuses on observing the surroundings, rather than physical movement.

circumambulate

A formal term for walking around something, often in a ritualistic context.

FAQs

Is "take a turn around" grammatically correct?

The phrase "take a turn around" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "take a walk around" or simply "go around".

What are some alternatives to "take a turn around"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "take a walk around", "go around", "look around", or "wander around".

When is it appropriate to use "take a turn around"?

While not strictly correct, "take a turn around" is sometimes used informally to describe a brief exploration or movement within a limited space. However, more precise alternatives are generally preferred.

Which is more correct, "take a turn around" or "make a turn around"?

Both phrases are non-standard. "Make a turn" refers to turning/changing direction but there is no implication of exploring what's around you. For a general sense of exploration, consider using "take a walk around" or "go around".