turn around

USAGE SUMMARY

"turn around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to changing direction or position, or when telling someone to do so. For example: "As soon as he saw me, he turned around and ran away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"Turn around!" Audie shouted.

The New Yorker

Don't turn around!

The New York Times

Usually, things turn around.

The New Yorker

Turn around and turnarounds.

The New York Times - Sports

It read, "Turn around!

The New Yorker

He would turn around.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

You turned around.

The New Yorker

I'm turning around.

The New Yorker

Finally, he turned around.

The New York Times

So she turned around.

The New York Times

He turned around.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turn around" to describe a business or company, ensure the context clearly indicates a positive shift in performance or fortune.

Common error

Avoid using "turn around" when a minor adjustment is made. This phrase implies a significant and often positive transformation, not just a tweak or minor change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn around" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, capable of describing both physical actions (rotating) and abstract concepts (reversing a trend). Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and diverse applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turn around" is a versatile phrasal verb with meanings ranging from physical rotation to metaphorical reversals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and sees frequent use, particularly in News & Media. While its register remains neutral, be mindful of overstating the situation when applying it to business or personal contexts. Alternatives like "change direction", "reverse course", and "alter perspective" offer nuanced options for expression. Remember, while the phrase is highly applicable, it should be carefully selected to accurately reflect the intended scale of change or alteration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change direction

Focuses on the act of altering the path or orientation.

reverse course

Emphasizes the act of going back the way one came.

alter perspective

Highlights a change in viewpoint or understanding.

make a U-turn

Specifically refers to a 180-degree turn.

pivot

Suggests a strategic change in direction or approach.

about-face

Indicates a complete reversal of opinion or policy.

invert

Highlights the act of reversing something's position or order.

do an about-turn

Similar to "about-face", emphasizing a radical change.

switch direction

Simple alternative highlighting a change in heading

veer

Emphasizes an abrupt change in direction

FAQs

How to use "turn around" in a sentence?

You can use "turn around" to describe a physical rotation (e.g., "She asked him to turn around") or a reversal of a situation (e.g., "The company managed to turn around its losses").

What can I say instead of "turn around"?

Alternatives include "change direction", "reverse course", or "alter perspective" depending on the context.

When should I use "turn around" instead of "change direction"?

"Turn around" often implies a complete reversal or significant improvement, while "change direction" is a more general term for altering course.

Is it correct to say "turn around" when referring to a minor adjustment?

While grammatically correct, using "turn around" for minor adjustments may be an overstatement. Consider using more precise language to reflect the scale of the change.