the tide turned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the tide turned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a change in circumstances or a shift in a situation, often from negative to positive or vice versa. Example: "After months of struggling, the tide turned when they secured a major investment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thereafter the tide turned.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Eventually, the tide turned.

Independent

But then the tide turned.

The Economist

The tide turned.

The New York Times - Arts

"Fortunately, the tide turned.

The New York Times - Sports

The tide turned on March 18.

The New York Times

But in 2009, the tide turned.

The New York Times

But then the tide turned again.

The New York Times

But the next year, the tide turned.

The New York Times

It was then that the tide turned.

The New York Times

But the tide turned in Bibi's favour.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the tide turned" to signal a clear shift in a narrative or situation, especially when describing a change from a negative to a positive state, or vice versa. It's particularly effective in historical accounts, sports reporting, and business analyses.

Common error

Avoid using "the tide turned" to describe minor inconveniences or temporary setbacks. This phrase implies a significant and often decisive shift in circumstances, not just a small hiccup.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the tide turned" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a significant shift or reversal in a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it frequently used to denote changes in fortune, momentum, or circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the tide turned" is a common idiomatic expression used to denote a significant shift or reversal in a situation, often from negative to positive. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its primary use is to signal a crucial change in narratives, and it is frequently found in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "circumstances shifted" or "momentum shifted" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoid using "the tide turned" for minor setbacks; reserve it for situations where a genuinely significant change has occurred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the tables turned

Indicates a reversal of roles or power dynamics.

the situation reversed

Emphasizes a complete change to the opposite outcome.

momentum shifted

Highlights a change in the driving force or impetus.

the balance tipped

Suggests a change in equilibrium or advantage.

circumstances shifted

Focuses on a general change in conditions.

the trend reversed

Implies a change in the general direction of a pattern or tendency.

fortunes changed

Implies a change in luck or success.

a turning point occurred

Highlights a specific moment of change.

events took a new turn

Focuses on a change in the direction of events.

the wind shifted

Metaphorically suggests a change in prevailing conditions or opinions.

FAQs

How can I use "the tide turned" in a sentence?

Use "the tide turned" to indicate a significant change in circumstances, often from negative to positive or vice versa. For example, "After months of struggle, "the tide turned" when they secured a major investment."

What can I say instead of "the tide turned"?

You can use alternatives like "circumstances shifted", "the situation reversed", or "momentum shifted" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "the tide turned" in formal writing?

Yes, ""the tide turned"" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in analytical or historical contexts where you need to emphasize a significant shift in events or conditions.

What's the difference between "the tide turned" and "a turning point occurred"?

"The tide turned" suggests a gradual but noticeable shift, while "a turning point occurred" indicates a specific moment that marks a significant change. The former implies a process, while the latter emphasizes an event.