things took a turn when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things took a turn when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a change in circumstances or events, often leading to a significant or unexpected outcome. Example: "Everything seemed to be going well, but things took a turn when the storm hit the town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Things took a turn when the trail picked up abruptly.

The Guardian - Travel

Midway through its production, things took a turn when Walker died in a car crash.

Los Angeles Times

Geller sat down with Fox News' Sean Hannity to discuss the threats she has received following the contest, but things took a turn when guest Juan Williams stepped in and accused Geller of "intentionally" provoking the shooting.

Huffington Post

The order started off with the usual novelty wedding and cartoon-themed birthday cakes, but things took a turn when a cake in the shape of two very heavily spray-tanned breasts with upsettingly small nipples fell from the printer.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Soon, though, things take a turn, when one of Mars's sons is run over during a disastrous mall visit, and he ends up divorced, in a grim flat, trying to reconnect with his remaining son, while a serial killer dubbed the Origami Killer embarks on a spree.

The Guardian - Tech

But things take a turn when De Leeuw introduces a group of people dressed as "Zwarte Piet," aka "Black Pete".

Huffington Post

All eight, half-hour episodes of American Vandal hit Netflix on SeptemBut 15.

Vice

But things take a turn when lumbering, impetuous Archie loses his temper and burns down the Syndicate Plantation and Cotton Gin, managed by the cocky Sicilian Silva Vacarro Wallachh).

Huffington Post

Follow Harry on Twitter.

Vice

At first the kids think the old-school gadgets are interesting -- "I've always wanted to see film!" one kid exclaims -- but things take a turn when they realize they can't immediately view the photos they've taken.

Huffington Post

Then things took a turn last month when Kelly told her viewers that she had cleared the air with Trump after asking to meet him.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things took a turn when" to introduce a pivotal moment in a narrative, signaling a change in direction or circumstances.

Common error

While "things took a turn when" is acceptable, it might sound too informal for academic or highly professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "circumstances shifted" or "a significant change occurred" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things took a turn when" functions as an introductory clause, setting the stage for a narrative shift. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, indicating that it is used to introduce a change in circumstances or events, often with an element of surprise or negativity. Examples show usage in news articles and storytelling.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "things took a turn when" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, used to signal a significant shift in events. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. For formal writing, writers should consider using alternatives like "the situation evolved" or "circumstances altered". The phrase serves to introduce a turning point in a narrative, prompting the reader to anticipate subsequent developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

events shifted direction as

Emphasizes a change in direction rather than a general turn of events.

the narrative altered after

Focuses on changes in the story or account of events.

there was a shift in events as

Highlights a broader shift in the unfolding events.

circumstances altered once

Highlights the alteration of circumstances as the trigger for the change.

the dynamics changed following

Focuses on the alteration of dynamics rather than the events themselves.

the situation evolved after

Focuses on gradual evolution of a situation rather than a sudden change.

a transformation happened as

Highlights a significant change in form or nature.

a pivotal moment occurred when

Stresses the importance and decisiveness of the moment of change.

things deviated from the norm when

Emphasizes the departure from what was previously considered normal.

the tide turned upon

Emphasizes a significant change in fortune or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "things took a turn when" in a sentence?

Use "things took a turn when" to indicate a shift in circumstances, often implying an unexpected or significant change. For example, "The project was on schedule, but "things took a turn when" the main developer left the company."

What phrases are similar to "things took a turn when"?

Alternatives include "the situation changed when", "events shifted as", or "circumstances altered once", each offering a slightly different nuance to the change in events.

Is "things took a turn when" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "things took a turn when" leans towards the informal. For academic or professional contexts, consider using phrases like "a significant change occurred" or "the situation evolved".

What's the difference between "things took a turn when" and "things changed when"?

"Things changed when" is a more general statement of alteration. "Things took a turn when" often implies a more decisive or unexpected change, sometimes with negative connotations.