turn professional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turn professional" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone transitioning from an amateur status to a professional level in a particular field or activity. Example: "After years of practice and dedication, she decided to turn professional and compete in national tournaments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm definitely going to continue, but I don't know whether I'll turn professional or stay amateur.

BBC

How did you turn professional?

The New York Times - Sports

At what ages did they turn professional?

The New York Times

He said he would turn professional.

The New York Times - Sports

The best athletes eventually turn professional and make real money.

The Economist

Green, a junior, might turn professional after this season.

The New York Times - Sports

That's why it's hard for skaters to turn professional.

The New York Times - Sports

He also started boxing, hoping to turn professional.

The New York Times

Danish football did not even turn professional until 1978.

The Guardian - Sport

After his sophomore year, Gatlin decided to turn professional.

The New York Times - Sports

He had achieved so much so quickly that many people were urging him to turn professional.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turn professional" when describing someone's decision to leave amateur status and pursue their skill or activity as a career for monetary gain. Be specific about the field if context is not clear: "turn professional in golf".

Common error

Avoid using "turn professional" when someone simply improves their skills or becomes more dedicated to a hobby. The phrase implies a commitment to earning a living from the activity, not just excelling at it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn professional" functions as a verb phrase indicating a transition from amateur to professional status. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in describing career shifts, especially in sports and creative fields. It emphasizes a conscious decision to pursue a skill or activity as a primary source of income.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "turn professional" is a verb phrase used to describe the transition from amateur to professional status in a particular field. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media when discussing career changes in sports, arts or other fields. While generally neutral, understanding the professional implication (pursuing something as a primary income source) is important. Alternatives like "go pro" or "become a professional" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. Understanding and applying the phrase correctly ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go pro

Shortened, more informal way of saying "turn professional".

become a professional

A more formal and direct alternative to "turn professional".

make the transition to professional

Emphasizes the process of moving into a professional role.

pursue a professional career

Focuses on actively seeking a career as a professional.

enter the professional ranks

Highlights the entry into the professional level of a field.

start a professional career

Focuses on the initiation of professional activities.

embark on a professional path

Highlights the journey and commitment to a professional endeavor.

shift to a professional role

Emphasizes the change from a non-professional status.

move into the professional sphere

Indicates a transition into a professional environment or industry.

professionalize

A concise verb meaning to make something professional, often referring to organizations or activities, but sometimes individuals.

FAQs

What does it mean to "turn professional"?

To "turn professional" means to start engaging in a particular activity or skill as one's primary source of income, leaving behind amateur status.

What can I say instead of "turn professional"?

You can use alternatives like "go pro", "become a professional", or "pursue a professional career" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "turn professional"?

Use "turn professional" when someone transitions from participating in an activity as a hobby or without pay to doing it as a paid job or career.

Is it grammatically correct to say "turning professional"?

Yes, "turning professional" is grammatically correct. It is the present participle form, often used in continuous tenses or as a gerund. For example, "He is considering turning professional" or "Turning professional was a big decision for her".