turn a corner

USAGE SUMMARY

"turn a corner" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone has achieved a milestone or is approaching a positive outcome that represents a clear change in an existing situation. For example: "After months of hard work, the company is finally starting to turn a corner and is expecting a profitable quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Can Liverpool turn a corner?

Independent

We turn a corner.

The Guardian - Travel

"You turn a corner.

The New York Times

I tried to turn a corner from the obvious route.

The New York Times

"I believe we will turn a corner soon," he said.

The New York Times

Another couple turn a corner into the gloom.

The Guardian - Arts

Turn a corner and you pass piles of oysters.

The New York Times - Food

And Qatar is slowly starting to turn a corner.

The Guardian

That has helped me to turn a corner.

The Guardian - Sport

As soon as we turn a corner, it's something else".

The New York Times

Then we turn a corner and are in Deerpark.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In literal descriptions, ensure the context clearly establishes physical movement, such as walking through a city or navigating a vehicle.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase when progress is only marginal or temporary. "turn a corner" implies a lasting change in direction or a permanent exit from a difficult phase. If the situation is still precarious, consider using a more cautious phrase like "showing signs of improvement" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn a corner" serves as an idiomatic verb phrase. Syntactically, it consists of the transitive verb 'turn' and the direct object 'a corner'. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it functions as the primary predicate to describe both physical navigation and abstract progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

0.5%

Social Media

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "turn a corner" is a highly versatile and robust English idiom. Ludwig AI identifies 57 instances where the phrase is used to describe everything from physical movement in city streets to the recovery of national economies. Its primary strength lies in its ability to succinctly capture the moment a negative trend ends and a positive one begins. Whether you are writing about sports teams like Liverpool or the state of the US economy, this phrase remains a precise and evocative choice for highlighting a pivotal change. While it is grammatically simple, its impact is significant, making it a staple of both narrative and analytical English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn the corner

Uses a definite article to emphasize a specific, well-defined point of improvement.

reach a turning point

Focuses more on the specific moment of change rather than the process of moving past it.

make a breakthrough

Implies a more sudden or significant advancement through a barrier.

turn the tide

Suggests a reversal of a negative trend, usually in a competitive or large-scale situation.

change for the better

A more literal and general description of improvement without the 'navigation' metaphor.

make headway

Focuses on the continuous progress made after a period of stagnation.

get over the hump

More informal, focusing on passing the most difficult part of a task.

pass the peak

Specifically refers to moving past the worst or highest point of a crisis.

round the bend

Often used literally for physical navigation or figuratively to mean going crazy.

mend one's ways

Focuses specifically on moral or behavioral improvement.

FAQs

What does it mean to "turn a corner" figuratively?

Figuratively, to "turn a corner" means to pass a critical point in a difficult situation and begin to improve. For example, a company might "return to profitability" after a long slump, or a patient might start recovering after a severe illness.

Is there a difference between "turn a corner" and "turn the corner"?

The two are largely interchangeable, though "turn the corner" is often used when there is a specific, well-known obstacle that has been overcome. "turn a corner" can feel slightly more general or descriptive of a new phase beginning.

Can "turn a corner" be used in formal writing?

Yes, it is widely accepted in journalism, business and academic contexts. As shown in Ludwig, it frequently appears in reputable publications like "The New York Times" and "The Economist" to describe economic or political shifts.

What is a more formal synonym for "turn a corner"?

In very formal or technical reports, you might prefer to use "undergo a positive transformation" or "experience a recovery".