turn

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "turn" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a verb, noun, or adjective. Example: He made a sharp turn and drove away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some nations may be able to turn a blind eye to atrocities in other countries.

The New York Times

It's my turn.

The New York Times

The crackdown, in turn, fuelled the growth of an insurgency by the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU).

The Guardian

In theory, it is possible that gentle nudges will turn into intrusive diktats and the nanny state will drain individual responsibility.

The New York Times

He has introduced bonuses for workers who turn up sober and refrain from stealing, and the sack for those who do not.

The Economist

Within five minutes Laszlo Kiss was allowed to trap a ball from a corner and turn eight yards from the Salvadoran goal before firing past Mora to make it 6-1.

The Guardian - Sport

"I don't believe that any guerrilla is going to turn in his weapon only to go and die in a US jail," Santos said in March.

The Guardian

Later in the season, the same biographer attempts to turn Underwood's head to The Stanley Parable, an experimental installation that toys with abstract notions of free will.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When Liberal Democrat thoughts do turn to a new leader after the next general election, Chris Huhne, who finished second to Campbell in this year's contest, or a representative of he younger generation like Nick Clegg will inherit his crown.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most of all, though, it was the game that proved Conte's Juventus could indeed be beaten – even if wresting the title from their grasp would turn out to be another matter altogether.

The Guardian - Sport

Often ostensibly secular and radically libertarian, for decades they have lobbied to turn public education – currently an $85bn federal operation – into an industrial complex.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turn" to indicate a change in direction, consider the context and choose a more specific verb if appropriate, such as "swerve" for a sudden change or "veer" for a gradual one.

Common error

Vary your vocabulary to avoid repetitive use of "turn" in close proximity. Instead of saying "He turned the corner and then turned to face me", try "He rounded the corner and then faced me" for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The word "turn" serves as both a verb and a noun, indicating physical rotation, change in condition, or a specific point in a sequence. Ludwig AI confirms the versatility of this common word, as shown in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Sport

15%

Opinion

13%

Less common in

Travel

11%

Lifestyle

5%

Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turn" is a highly versatile word used to indicate rotation, change, or sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and opinion pieces. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to choose more specific verbs like "swerve" or "pivot" where appropriate, and to avoid overuse in close proximity. Being aware of these nuances will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rotate

Focuses specifically on the action of moving in a circular motion around an axis, similar to one aspect of "turn".

pivot

Implies a change in direction or strategy, often with a fixed point, which is a more figurative meaning of "turn".

revolve

Suggests a cyclical movement around a central point, similar to "turn" in contexts of orbiting or recurring events.

alter

Highlights a change in condition or character, akin to how "turn" can indicate transformation.

shift

Emphasizes a change in position or focus, resembling "turn" when used to describe a change in direction or perspective.

invert

Indicates a reversal or turning upside down, a specific type of change implied by "turn".

swerve

Suggests a sudden change in direction, similar to "turn" in driving or navigating.

transform

Implies a significant change in form or appearance, like "turn" when used to describe a major change or conversion.

veer

Indicates a deviation from a course, similar to "turn" but often less sharp.

redirect

Highlights the act of changing the course or destination of something, alike to "turn" in the direction sense.

FAQs

How can I use "turn" in a sentence?

You can use "turn" in various contexts. For example, "The leaves "turn brown" in autumn", or "Please "turn left" at the next intersection".

What are some synonyms for "turn" when referring to a change in direction?

Alternatives for "turn" in the context of changing direction include "veer", "swerve", or "pivot", depending on the sharpness and intent of the change.

Is it correct to say "turn into" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "turn into" is grammatically correct and widely used to describe a transformation or change of something. For example, "The frog "turned into" a prince".

What's the difference between "turn" and "rotate"?

"Turn" is more general and can refer to any change in direction or condition, while "rotate" specifically means to move in a circular motion around an axis.