turn of events

USAGE SUMMARY

"turn of events" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe unforeseen changes in a situation or series of events. For example, "The recent turn of events has caused a lot of disruption in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every conceivable turn of events?

The New York Times

"It was a good turn of events.

The New York Times - Sports

This was a remarkable turn of events.

The New Yorker

This turn of events has thrown everyone.

The New York Times - Sports

It was an extraordinary turn of events.

The New York Times

"It's an extraordinary turn of events".

The New York Times

This is a stunning turn of events.

The Economist

That was a perplexing turn of events.

The New York Times

This was a popular turn of events.

The New York Times

Then came an unexpected turn of events.

The New York Times

What a turn of events.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turn of events" to describe a specific alteration in a situation's trajectory, especially when the change is surprising or significant. For example, "Due to the unexpected "turn of events", the company had to adjust its strategy."

Common error

Avoid using "turn of events" to describe minor or insignificant changes. This phrase is best reserved for alterations that have a noticeable impact or deviate substantially from the expected course. Saying "The slight "turn of events" in the weather didn't affect our picnic" sounds unnatural; instead, use "change in weather".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn of events" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it describes a shift or alteration in a series of occurrences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turn of events" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an unexpected or altered course of circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its broad usability across various contexts. Predominantly featured in news and media sources, this phrase effectively highlights significant shifts or alterations, as seen in examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When writing, reserve "turn of events" for changes that are substantial and impactful, and avoid using it for minor alterations. Alternatives such as "unexpected development" or "sudden twist" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance you wish to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected development

Highlights the unforeseen nature of the change.

sudden twist

Emphasizes the abruptness and unexpectedness of the change.

unexpected twist

Similar to "sudden twist", but slightly less forceful.

change of circumstances

Focuses on the altered conditions rather than the event itself.

unanticipated outcome

Focuses on the result being different from what was expected.

unforeseen situation

Shifts the focus to the resulting situation rather than the transition.

shift in circumstances

Highlights that something is changed.

unpredicted change

Emphasizes that change could not been predicted.

altered situation

Highlights the alteration from the original state.

reversal of fortune

Implies a change from good to bad or vice versa, specifically related to luck or success.

FAQs

How can I use "turn of events" in a sentence?

"Turn of events" is used to describe an unexpected change or alteration in a situation. For example, "The recent "turn of events" has completely changed our plans."

What's a good alternative to "turn of events"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "unexpected development", "sudden twist", or "change of circumstances".

Is "turn of events" formal or informal?

"Turn of events" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in news reporting, academic writing, and everyday conversation.

Can "turn of events" have a negative connotation?

While "turn of events" itself is neutral, the context often implies whether the change is positive or negative. For instance, "a devastating "turn of events"" clearly indicates a negative outcome.