turn that around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turn that around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a change in perspective or approach to a situation or problem. Example: "If we want to improve our sales, we need to turn that around and focus on customer feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will he turn that around?

The Washington Post

Can Nadella turn that around?

The Guardian - Tech

How did we turn that around?

The Guardian

Can Mr. Creighton turn that around?

The New York Times

But what if we could turn that around?

MIT Technology Review

"We've just got to dig deep and turn that around".

The Guardian - Sport

The question is: how do you turn that around?

The New York Times

But we are taking prompt action to turn that around and to transform public finances.

Yale University

If Nutter can't turn that around, posterity will have harsh words for his failure.

University of Pennsylvania

We have to help them turn that around and embrace it.

Independent

How do we turn that around?

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turn that around" when you want to suggest a complete reversal of a negative situation or trend, implying a shift towards a more positive outcome.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "turn that around" excessively in very formal writing. Opt for more precise language if a specific action or solution is being proposed. Consider stronger verbs to convey a clearer intention, ensuring your writing remains professional and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn that around" functions as a phrasal verb expressing the action of reversing or improving a situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its versatility allows it to fit into various contexts, suggesting a proactive effort to change a negative course.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "turn that around" is a versatile and commonly used expression that implies reversing or improving a situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While generally neutral in register, it's best to consider the specific audience and opt for more precise language in highly formal settings. To avoid overuse, alternatives like "reverse the situation" or "improve the outcome" can be employed. When seeking to convey a proactive and optimistic tone, "turn that around" serves as an effective phrase for motivating action and suggesting a change for the better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a turnaround

Indicates a significant and positive change in performance or condition.

reverse the situation

Focuses specifically on inverting or undoing a particular state of affairs.

improve the outcome

Emphasizes making the result better, focusing on enhancement rather than just reversal.

remedy the issue

Highlights the correction or fixing of a problem, suggesting a solution-oriented approach.

rectify the problem

Similar to "remedy the issue", it stresses correcting what's wrong.

correct the course

Implies an adjustment to the current direction to achieve a more desirable path.

set things right

A more general term for making amends or correcting errors.

change for the better

Highlights the positive aspect of making a change.

alter the trajectory

Focuses on changing the direction or path of something, especially in a planned or strategic way.

uplift the situation

This alternative focuses on raising the overall level or quality of the current circumstances, emphasizing a positive improvement.

FAQs

What does "turn that around" mean?

The phrase "turn that around" means to reverse a negative situation or trend, changing it into a positive one. It implies a significant improvement or correction.

How can I use "turn that around" in a sentence?

You can use "turn that around" to suggest changing a course of action or improving a situation. For example, "We need to "reverse the situation" and focus on customer satisfaction to "turn that around".

What are some alternatives to "turn that around"?

Alternatives to "turn that around" include "improve the outcome", "remedy the issue", or "correct the course". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "turn that around" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "turn that around" may be too informal for some formal contexts. In such cases, consider more precise alternatives like "rectify the problem" or "set things right" to maintain a professional tone.