turn out

USAGE SUMMARY

"turn out" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used as a verb meaning to produce or result in a certain outcome. For example: "The party ended up being a huge success, much to our delight - it really turned out better than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Turn out the lights.

The New York Times

"Turn out your pants pockets".

The New Yorker

It could turn out incorrect.

The New York Times - Sports

How did those turn out?

The New York Times

How will she turn out?

The Economist

How does ruin turn out?

The New Yorker

Things usually turn out O.K.

The New York Times

It could turn out correct.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Decent voter turn-out?

The Economist

The turn-out was 42%.

BBC

The turn-out was 32%.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turn out" to mean 'attend', ensure the context clearly indicates attendance at an event or gathering. For instance, "Many people turned out for the concert" is more specific than simply, "They turned out."

Common error

Avoid using "turn out" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound informal. Opt for more precise alternatives like "result", "prove", or "become evident" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "turn out" functions primarily as an intransitive verb indicating a result or outcome. It can also function as a transitive verb when referring to the act of producing something, such as "The bakery turns out three hundred pies each day." As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "turn out" is a versatile and frequently used expression in the English language. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness allows it to function across various contexts, primarily describing results, attendance, or production. While "turn out" is very common in news, media and general writing, in academic or formal business settings, it may be best to use alternatives such as "result in" or "prove to be" to maintain a more professional tone. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase the phrase's diverse applications, making it a valuable addition to any writer's repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end up

Focuses on the final result or outcome of a situation or process.

result in

Emphasizes the causal relationship between an action and its consequence.

prove to be

Highlights the eventual confirmation of a quality or characteristic.

come to pass

Suggests a more formal or literary way of saying something happened.

materialize

Implies that something abstract becomes real or concrete.

transpire

Indicates that an event occurs, often unexpectedly.

unfold

Describes how a situation or story develops over time.

become apparent

Focuses on something becoming clear or obvious.

emerge

Implies that something comes into view or existence from a hidden state.

be revealed

Suggests that something previously unknown is made public.

FAQs

What does "turn out" mean?

The phrasal verb "turn out" has multiple meanings, including to result in a particular way, to attend an event, or to produce something. Context is key to understanding the intended meaning.

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

You can use "turn out" in sentences like: "The experiment didn't "turn out" as expected", "A large crowd "turned out" for the rally", or "The factory "turns out" thousands of units daily".

What are some alternatives to "turn out" when referring to a result?

When "turn out" refers to a result, you can use alternatives such as "end up", "result in", or "prove to be". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "turn out" in academic writing?

While "turn out" is grammatically correct, it might be perceived as informal in some academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "become evident" or "demonstrate" to maintain a higher degree of formality.