turn away

USAGE SUMMARY

"turn away" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "turn away" to indicate that someone or something is moving away from something or someone else. For example: "The children turned away from the playground, eager to get home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Turn away.

The Washington Post

Others turn away.

The New York Times

You turn away from it.

The New York Times

"You can turn away.

The New Yorker

So turn away.

The New York Times - Magazine

Impossible to turn away.

The Guardian - Books

That's hard to turn away from".

The New York Times

But how could I turn away?

The New Yorker

I can't turn away from it.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They never turn away the hungry".

The New Yorker

— which will turn away some users.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turn away" to mean refusing someone, consider the context. It can sound harsh, so choose alternatives like "decline" or "refuse admission" for a more polite tone in formal situations.

Common error

Avoid using "turn away" in overly passive constructions that obscure the subject performing the action. For example, instead of "Assistance was turned away", write "They turned away assistance" to clearly indicate who rejected the help.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "turn away" primarily functions as a verb, indicating actions of averting, refusing, or rejecting. It is used both literally (rotating the body) and figuratively (denying access or support). Ludwig AI confirms this broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "turn away" is a versatile and frequently used expression with multiple meanings, ranging from physical aversion to metaphorical rejection. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread application. Its usage is particularly common in news and media contexts, reflecting its relevance in describing both tangible and intangible scenarios. When crafting your writing, be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey, opting for alternatives like "refuse" or "avert" if a different shade of meaning is desired. Avoiding overly passive constructions will enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avert your gaze

This alternative emphasizes the action of avoiding visual contact.

refuse admission

This phrase is more specific to denying entry or acceptance.

reject

A simple, direct synonym indicating refusal.

decline

Similar to "reject" but can also imply a polite refusal.

look away

Focuses on the act of changing the direction of one's gaze.

shun

Implies deliberate avoidance or ostracization.

rebuff

Suggests a more forceful rejection.

deflect

Highlights the action of warding off or diverting something.

dismiss

Suggests rejecting or refusing to consider something.

brush aside

Implies disregarding something, treating it as unimportant.

FAQs

How is "turn away" used in a sentence?

"Turn away" can mean to physically rotate one's body or head, or to refuse someone or something. Example: "She "turned away" from the gruesome sight." or "The company had to "turn away" customers due to high demand."

What are some synonyms for "turn away"?

Alternatives to "turn away" include "refuse", "reject", "decline", "avert", or "deflect", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "turned away" or "turn away"?

Both "turn away" and "turned away" are correct, depending on the tense required. "Turn away" is the base form, while "turned away" is the past tense and past participle. For example: "They "will turn away"" (future) vs. "They "turned away"" (past).

What's the difference between "turn away" and "look away"?

"Turn away" implies a more deliberate action of avoidance, either physically or metaphorically refusing something. "Look away" primarily refers to averting one's gaze, usually from something unpleasant or shocking. You might "look away" from an accident, but "turn away" a job applicant.