took a different turn

USAGE SUMMARY

"took a different turn" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe when a situation suddenly changes into something different from what you expected. For example: The conversation took a different turn when he asked if I had voted in the election.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

But then things took a different turn.

The Guardian - Travel

But his collaboration with Hoffmann took a different turn.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, later my thoughts took a different turn.

The New Yorker

In the 1960s Laslett's research took a different turn.

The Guardian

"It took a different turn when Gonzalez got hurt.

The New York Times - Sports

"But since the Boston tapes project took a different turn they have all changed their minds.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"History would have taken a different turn".

The New Yorker

"[The war has] taken a different turn this year".

The Guardian

Mr. Giobbi's art then takes a different turn.

The New York Times

At this point, the second interpretation of events takes a different turn.

The Economist

Trout, usually served meunière in a bistro, takes a different turn at Seven One Eight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took a different turn" when you want to emphasize a distinct change in the course of events, plans, or someone's life.

Common error

Avoid using "took a different turn" with inanimate objects unless you're personifying them. It's better suited for describing changes in plans, careers, or situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a different turn" functions as an idiomatic expression, indicating a change in direction, course, or circumstances. Ludwig examples show that the phrase is used to describe shifts in careers, research, and events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took a different turn" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe a change in direction or circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, it's best to reserve its usage for changes in plans, careers, or situations rather than applying it to inanimate objects. Consider alternatives such as "changed direction" or "shifted gears" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

changed direction

Focuses on the alteration of course or trajectory.

shifted gears

Implies a change in approach or strategy.

veered off course

Highlights a deviation from the original path or plan.

made an about-face

Indicates a complete reversal of opinion or policy.

underwent a transformation

Suggests a significant change in form or nature.

evolved differently

Emphasizes a gradual divergence in development.

diverged from the norm

Highlights a departure from standard practices or expectations.

experienced a metamorphosis

Implies a profound and complete change in character or circumstances.

switched paths

Focuses on altering the chosen route or approach.

altered its trajectory

Refers to a change in the course or direction of something.

FAQs

How can I use "took a different turn" in a sentence?

You can use "took a different turn" to describe a change in direction or circumstances. For example, "His career "took a different turn" when he decided to go back to school".

What's a good alternative to "took a different turn"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "changed direction", "shifted gears", or "veered off course" as alternatives.

Is it correct to say "has taken a different turn"?

Yes, "has taken a different turn" is grammatically correct and is the present perfect form of the phrase, implying a change that has occurred and has relevance to the present.

What's the difference between "took a different turn" and "took an unexpected turn"?

"Took a different turn" simply indicates a change in direction, while "took an unexpected turn" implies that the change was surprising or unforeseen.