turn a phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

"turn a phrase" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to express something in a creative or clever way. Examples: 1. She has a natural talent for turning a phrase, her writing is full of wit and charm. 2. The author's ability to turn a phrase made the book a joy to read. 3. Even in casual conversation, he always manages to turn a phrase and make us all laugh. 4. The politician's speech was full of cliches and lacked the ability to turn a phrase. 5. He struggled with writing at first, but with practice, he learned how to turn a phrase effortlessly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

He can turn a phrase.

The Guardian - Opinion

I can turn a phrase.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Turn a phrase, play with sound, listen for cadence.

The New York Times

Glamorous he's not, but Cable can turn a phrase.

The New York Times

McCourt still has the ability to turn a phrase deftly.

The New York Times - Books

She can turn a phrase and an eye; she teases, but she's not bitchy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

He turns a phrase beautifully, and knows it.

The New York Times - Books

There are lines in this record where he's turning a phrase with a vengeance.

The New York Times - Arts

Just this summer, a reader in Birmingham let me know he'd turned a phrase from my book into a tattoo!

The Guardian - Books

Once in a while, though, he turns a phrase that seems to capture the country's economic anxieties.

The New York Times

Fourth, he turned a phrase well.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "turn a phrase", focus on originality and clarity. Avoid clichés and strive for language that is both memorable and precise in conveying your intended meaning.

Common error

While "turning a phrase" involves creative expression, avoid excessive or convoluted language that obscures your message. Prioritize clarity over complexity to ensure effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn a phrase" functions as a verbal idiom, indicating the ability to express oneself in a distinctive and memorable way. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's about crafting language that is both creative and effective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Books

5%

Lifestyle

2%

Less common in

Sports

1%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turn a phrase" is a common and grammatically sound idiom that describes the ability to express oneself creatively and effectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s about using language in a memorable and impactful way. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it implies admiration for someone's linguistic skill. To enhance your writing, focus on originality and clarity when "turning a phrase", avoiding clichés and convoluted language. While there are many semantically similar alternatives, the key is to tailor your expression to the specific context for the greatest impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coin a phrase

Focuses on the act of inventing or popularizing a new expression.

express oneself eloquently

Highlights the speaker's ability to articulate thoughts clearly and gracefully.

have a way with words

Emphasizes a natural talent for using language effectively and persuasively.

use figurative language

Refers specifically to the employment of metaphors, similes, and other rhetorical devices.

have a gift for expression

Suggests an innate talent for conveying thoughts and feelings through language.

articulate effectively

Stresses the clarity and precision of one's communication.

craft compelling prose

Focuses on the skill of writing in a persuasive and engaging style.

master the art of rhetoric

Implies a deliberate and skillful command of persuasive speaking or writing.

demonstrate verbal dexterity

Highlights the agility and skill in using language.

exercise linguistic flair

Emphasizes the stylistic and creative aspects of language use.

FAQs

How can I effectively "turn a phrase" in my writing?

Focus on using fresh and original language. Experiment with metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech to create memorable and impactful expressions.

What does it mean to "turn a phrase"?

It means to express something in a creative, distinctive, or particularly effective way, often involving wordplay or figurative language.

What are some alternatives to saying someone can "turn a phrase"?

You could say they "have a way with words", are "eloquent", or are skilled at "rhetoric".

Is "turning a phrase" always a positive attribute?

Generally, yes, but it depends on the context. While the ability to "turn a phrase" can make writing or speech more engaging, it could be perceived negatively if it comes across as insincere or manipulative.