turn it off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'turn it off' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to refer to turning off any kind of device or machine, such as a phone, TV, or computer. For example, "Can you please turn it off while we're in the meeting?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Turn it off entirely.

The New York Times

Mostly I turn it off.

The New York Times

"Turn it off, Mommy!

The Guardian

Turn it off, please".

The Guardian - Tech

"With water they can turn it off".

The New York Times

"She just forgot to turn it off".

The New York Times

"—turn it off," Downey said.

The New Yorker

"I can't turn it off".

The New York Times - Magazine

Turn it off from the Dashboard.

The Washington Post

I turn it off.

TechCrunch

"If Lily tells us to turn it off, we'll turn it off.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turn it off", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "turn it off" without a clear referent. For example, instead of saying "I had to turn it off", specify what was turned off: "I had to turn the television off."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn it off" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to cease the operation of a device or system. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from devices to unwanted behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

30%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turn it off" is a very common imperative phrase used to instruct someone to stop the operation of a device or system. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While generally informal, its directness makes it suitable for various contexts, though more formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "deactivate it". When using "turn it off", ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to. With its frequent appearance in News & Media and Wiki sources, understanding its usage is key for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

switch it off

Replaces "turn" with "switch", maintaining the same imperative function.

shut it down

Suggests a more forceful or complete cessation of operation.

halt it

A concise command to stop something immediately.

power it down

Specifically refers to cutting off the power supply.

disable it

Implies making something inoperative, not necessarily cutting power.

deactivate it

A more formal way of saying "turn it off", often used in technical contexts.

kill it

A colloquial term for abruptly stopping a process or operation.

cease operation

A formal and less direct way to express stopping something.

cut it out

Often used to tell someone to stop an annoying behavior.

put a stop to it

Emphasizes ending an activity or behavior.

FAQs

How to use "turn it off" in a sentence?

You can use "turn it off" as an imperative to instruct someone to deactivate something, like "Please "turn it off" when you leave the room".

What can I say instead of "turn it off"?

You can use alternatives like "switch it off", "shut it down", or "disable it" depending on the context.

Is "turn it off" formal or informal?

"Turn it off" is generally considered informal. In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "deactivate it" or "power down".

What does "turn it off" mean?

"Turn it off" means to stop the operation of a device or system by using a switch, button, or other control. For example, you might "turn it off" to save energy or to stop a process.