turn inward

USAGE SUMMARY

"turn inward" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone looking inwards towards their own emotions or thoughts. For example: "When life became too difficult, he had to turn inward to find strength."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Turn inward.

The Guardian

We turn inward, breathing slowly.

The New York Times - Arts

Turn inward and reach out.

The New York Times

I began to turn inward".

The New Yorker

Russians, Putin commanded, need to turn inward.

The New York Times

That is why America cannot turn inward.

The New York Times

That is why Europe cannot turn inward.

The New York Times

They'll turn inward and become self-absorbed.

The New York Times

The United States will not turn inward.

The New York Times

America is about to turn inward, towards protectionism.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is no time for America to turn inward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing societal trends, use "turn inward" to describe a focus on domestic issues or isolationist policies.

Common error

Avoid using "turn inward" to solely represent isolation or withdrawal. While it can imply a retreat, it should also suggest a process of self-discovery or reflection, not just detachment from the world.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "turn inward" primarily functions as an intransitive verb phrase. It describes the action of directing one's attention, thoughts, or focus towards one's internal state. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

29%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "turn inward" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a shift in focus towards internal thoughts, feelings, or domestic concerns. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, Academic, and Formal & Business contexts. When using the phrase, remember its primary function is to encourage or describe introspection. Consider alternatives like "look within" or "introspect" to add nuance. Avoid confusing introspection with mere isolation, ensuring the phrase suggests a process of self-discovery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shift focus inward

Indicates a change in attention from external to internal stimuli.

look within

Emphasizes the act of searching for answers or guidance internally.

contemplate internally

Highlights the act of thinking deeply and privately.

introspect

Implies a deliberate examination of one's own thoughts and feelings.

examine one's feelings

Focuses on the analytical aspect of understanding personal emotions.

retreat into oneself

Conveys a sense of withdrawal and isolation.

focus on oneself

Highlights a concentration of attention and effort on one's own being.

become introverted

Describes a shift towards a more internal and less outwardly expressive state.

become self-absorbed

Suggests an excessive preoccupation with one's own concerns.

delve into one's psyche

Suggests a deeper exploration of one's psychological state.

FAQs

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

You can use "turn inward" to describe a process of introspection, such as: "During times of stress, it's helpful to "turn inward" and reflect on your values."

What's a good alternative to "turn inward"?

Alternatives to "turn inward" include "look within", "introspect", or "focus on oneself", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "turn inwards" instead of "turn inward"?

While "turn inwards" might be encountered, ""turn inward"" is more common and generally preferred in contemporary English usage.

In what situations should I avoid using "turn inward"?

Avoid using "turn inward" if you intend to describe solely physical movement. The phrase typically refers to a mental or emotional shift. For physical rotation, use "rotate inward" or "swivel inward".