turn on the machine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turn on the machine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when giving instructions or describing the action of activating a machine or device. Example: "Before starting the experiment, please turn on the machine to ensure it is ready for use."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Before you even turn on the machine, make sure you have all of the materials you need in order make operating this machine and making calculations as easy as possible.Put on your safety goggles/glasses and your gloves before you proceed.

WikiHow

You do need to decide a few things, and texture is one; for a completely smooth soup, turn on the machine and let it run.

The New York Times - Magazine

Add the mustard, and turn on the machine.

The New York Times

Add salt and pepper, and turn on the machine.

The New York Times - Health

2. Place the eggs, milk and olive oil in a blender, and turn on the machine.

The New York Times - Health

Turn on the machine and pulse until you have the consistency of wet sand.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The moment power is turned on, the machine stays in the wait state.

Cornell University

Once wound up and turned on, the machine whirs into action, producing a drawing or poem in about three minutes.

The New York Times - Science

Official estimates of the U.S. contribution had doubled, to a billion dollars, and then rose again, to $2.4 billion, merely to get to "first plasma" — essentially, just turning on the machine.

The New Yorker

Make sure that the lid is in position before turning on the machine.

WikiHow

Wear dry insulating gloves before turning on the welding machine.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, specify any required preliminary steps before you "turn on the machine", such as checking power connections or safety settings.

Common error

Avoid using "turn on the machine" when you actually mean to configure or set up the machine. Turning it on simply provides power, while configuration involves specific settings or initializations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn on the machine" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the action of activating a device. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in various contexts. It is typically used in instructional or descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turn on the machine" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the action of activating a device. According to Ludwig AI, its correct and usable status in various contexts is confirmed. It's frequently found in instructional materials, news articles, and academic papers. While it has a neutral register, it can be adapted to different levels of formality depending on the surrounding context. When using this phrase, ensure you're referring to providing power, and not setting up/configuring. Alternatives include "switch on", "activate", and "power up", each with slight differences in meaning and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

switch on the machine

Uses 'switch on' instead of 'turn on', implying a similar activation action.

activate the machine

Replaces 'turn on' with 'activate', focusing on the action of making the machine operational.

power up the machine

Uses 'power up' instead of 'turn on', emphasizing the act of supplying power.

start the machine

Replaces 'turn on' with 'start', indicating the beginning of the machine's operation.

get the machine running

Emphasizes the state of the machine being in operation.

initiate the machine

Uses 'initiate' instead of 'turn on', suggesting a formal or technical context.

boot up the machine

Implies the act of starting a computer or electronic device.

energize the machine

Replaces 'turn on' with 'energize', focusing on providing energy to the machine.

enable the machine

Suggests making the machine ready and capable of operating.

set the machine in motion

Emphasizes the action of starting the machine and its resulting movement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "turn on the machine"?

Alternatives include "switch on the machine", "activate the machine", or "power up the machine", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "turn on the machine" formal or informal?

"Turn on the machine" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language than the phrase itself.

When is it more appropriate to say "start the machine" instead of "turn on the machine"?

"Start the machine" is preferable when referring to initiating a process or a sequence of actions, rather than simply providing power. For example, you might "start the engine" of a car but "turn on the computer".

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the phrase "turn on the machine"?

A common mistake is to use it when you intend to say set up or configure the machine. "Turn on" simply means to power it, while setting up involves more detailed configuration.