took a sharp turn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took a sharp turn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden change in direction, focus, or circumstances, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "The story took a sharp turn when the protagonist discovered the hidden truth about her past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A single paragraph later, Rathbone took a sharp turn.

The Guardian - Books

As a future candidate, though, Burr was finished, and his career took a sharp turn.

Princeton University

When the bus took a sharp turn off the main road, I panicked and jumped off.

The New York Times

The prime minister's arc then took a sharp turn south, to Sydney.

The Economist

In the mid-nineteen-twenties, then, his career took a sharp turn.

The New Yorker

There's a giant whirlpool where they took a sharp turn 40 centuries ago.

The New York Times - Travel

China's urbanization policy recently took a sharp turn toward encouraging full integration and permanent settlement of rural migrants in cities.

Habitat International

After about 40 miles the road took a sharp turn to the right.

The Guardian

On Wednesday, March 19, his condition took a sharp turn for the worse.

The New York Times

One month after Mr. Higazy was locked up, the story took a sharp turn.

The New York Times

Then his life took a sharp turn, which in many ways led to yesterday's emotional honor.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took a sharp turn" to vividly describe moments of significant redirection in narratives, analyses, or explanations. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to emphasize the abruptness and decisiveness of the change.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "took a sharp turn" in overly formal or scientific writing where more precise terminology might be appropriate. Opt for terms like "diverged significantly" or "underwent a transformation" for enhanced clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a sharp turn" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate a sudden and significant change in direction, course, or condition. As Ludwig AI shows, it frequently appears in narratives and descriptive contexts to highlight pivotal moments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took a sharp turn" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that describes a sudden and significant change in direction or circumstances. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, writers should consider more precise language in formal or scientific settings. Alternatives like "changed course abruptly" or "shifted dramatically" can offer nuanced expression. Using "took a sharp turn" effectively involves leveraging its ability to convey abruptness and decisiveness, while avoiding overuse in contexts demanding greater specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

changed course abruptly

Emphasizes the suddenness and decisiveness of the change in direction.

shifted dramatically

Highlights the magnitude and impact of the alteration.

veered sharply

Suggests a sudden and distinct deviation from the original path.

underwent a transformation

Focuses on the complete and fundamental change experienced.

experienced a reversal

Highlights a change to the opposite direction or state.

made an about-face

Implies a complete and often unexpected change in policy or opinion.

altered drastically

Stresses the severity and extent of the modification.

took an unexpected twist

Highlights the surprise element of the change.

developed a new direction

Suggests a planned or intentional change in strategy.

diverged significantly

Emphasizes the degree of separation from the initial state.

FAQs

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

You can use "took a sharp turn" to describe a sudden change in direction, focus, or circumstances. For example, "The company's strategy "took a sharp turn" after the new CEO's arrival."

What can I say instead of "took a sharp turn"?

You can use alternatives like "changed course abruptly", "shifted dramatically", or "veered sharply", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "took a sharp turn" in academic writing?

Yes, "took a sharp turn" can be used in academic writing, but consider the tone and formality of your piece. In some cases, a more precise and formal alternative might be preferable, such as "diverged significantly".

What's the difference between "took a sharp turn" and "took a sudden turn"?

While both phrases indicate a quick change, "took a sharp turn" often implies a more decisive or dramatic alteration. "Took a sudden turn" simply emphasizes the abruptness of the change. For example, "The road "took a sudden turn"" focuses on the unexpected bend, while "His career "took a sharp turn"" suggests a significant shift in professional direction.