turn down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turn down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean to refuse, reject, or decline someone or something. For example, "I was offered a job, but I decided to turn it down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Turn down the music.

The New York Times

First, turn down the volume.

Independent

Turn down here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

▶ Turn down TV brightness.

The Guardian

Turn down to simmer.

The New York Times

I'll never turn down an autograph".

Independent

So states could turn down the money.

The New Yorker

Turn down the music!" Lourdes yelled.

The New Yorker

Turn down the heat a little.

The New York Times

Why do agents turn down good books?

The New Yorker

Should we turn down the heat?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turn down" to mean reduce volume or intensity, be specific about what is being reduced, such as "turn down the music" or "turn down the heat".

Common error

Avoid using "turn down" when a more precise verb is appropriate. For instance, instead of "turn down the offer", consider "reject the offer" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "turn down" is a phrasal verb. It functions either transitively, requiring a direct object (e.g., "turn down the offer"), or intransitively, implying a general refusal or reduction. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turn down" is a versatile phrasal verb with two primary meanings: to refuse or reject, and to reduce the intensity or volume of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, reflecting its common usage in reporting and everyday communication. Remember to consider the specific context to ensure clarity, and explore alternatives like "reject", "decline", or "lower" for nuanced expression. With these guidelines, you can confidently and correctly use "turn down" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reject outright

Emphasizes a complete and immediate refusal.

reject

This alternative directly implies a refusal or declination of something.

decline

Similar to reject, but often used in more formal contexts.

rebuff

To reject (someone or something) in an abrupt or ungracious manner.

refuse

Indicates a firm decision not to accept or do something.

spurn

Suggests a rejection with disdain or contempt.

lower

Specifically refers to reducing the level or intensity of something, like volume or heat.

scale back

Implies reducing the scope or extent of something.

diminish

Implies a gradual reduction in amount or intensity.

reduce

A general term for making something smaller or less.

FAQs

How can I use "turn down" in a sentence?

You can use "turn down" to mean refuse something, as in "I had to "turn down" the job offer". It can also mean to reduce the intensity of something, like "Please "turn down" the volume".

What's the difference between "turn down" and "reject"?

"Turn down" is often used for offers or invitations and implies a polite refusal. "Reject" is a stronger term and can be used in various contexts, including disapproving ideas or proposals. While you can "turn down" an offer, you might "reject" a proposal.

What can I say instead of "turn down" when referring to volume?

When referring to volume, you can use alternatives like "lower", "decrease", or "reduce". For example, instead of "Turn down the volume", you can say "Lower the volume".

Is it correct to say "turned down" or should it be "turn down"?

Both are correct, depending on the tense you want to use. "Turn down" is the base form, while "turned down" is the past tense and past participle. For example, "I "turn down" offers frequently" (present) versus "I "turned down" that offer last week" (past).