took a turn

USAGE SUMMARY

'took a turn' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation in which something veers off in a different direction than anticipated. For example, "The conversation took a turn when the topic of politics was introduced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then things took a turn.

The New Yorker

Then the chat took a turn.

The New York Times - Travel

But then the court took a turn.

The New York Times

Even Bouchara took a turn.

The New York Times

I took a turn digging.

The New Yorker

Perhaps their karma took a turn.

The Washington Post

"My life took a turn, and so my art took a turn, as well.

The New York Times

But things took a turn on Friday.

The New York Times

But then, her experience took a turn.

The Washington Post

Her life took a turn in 2001.

The New York Times

"You took a turn," Trebek shot back.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took a turn" to indicate a notable change in a narrative, situation, or process. It's effective for highlighting pivotal moments or unexpected developments in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "took a turn" when describing something that is inherently static or unchanging. This phrase implies a dynamic shift, so it's unsuitable for describing fixed attributes or conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a turn" functions as an idiomatic expression to indicate a change in direction, situation, or condition. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase is used to highlight a pivotal moment or unexpected development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took a turn" is a versatile idiomatic phrase used to denote a change in direction, situation, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and very common, predominantly appearing in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a dynamic shift and avoid using it in static contexts. Alternatives like "shifted direction" or "changed course" can be considered based on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to use it to highlight pivotal moments or unexpected developments in your writing for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shifted direction

Implies a change in the course or path of something.

changed course

Similar to "shifted direction" but suggests a more deliberate alteration of plans or actions.

veered off course

Indicates a deviation from an intended path or plan.

took an unexpected twist

Emphasizes the element of surprise in the change.

experienced a shift

Highlights the experience of a change rather than the action of changing.

deviated

A more formal synonym for "veered off course".

altered its trajectory

Emphasizes a change in the path or progression of something, often in a more technical or abstract sense.

underwent a transformation

Suggests a more significant and fundamental change.

saw a reversal

Highlights a change to the opposite direction or state.

evolved

Implies a gradual change over time.

FAQs

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

Use "took a turn" to indicate a change in direction, condition, or situation. For instance, "The conversation "took a turn" when politics came up".

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

Alternatives include "shifted direction", "changed course", or "evolved" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "took a turn" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing developments in a narrative or situation. However, consider more formal alternatives like "deviated" in highly academic or technical contexts.

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

"Took a turn" refers to a change in direction or circumstance, while "took a moment" indicates a brief pause or delay. They have distinct meanings and aren't interchangeable.