turn the dial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turn the dial" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing the action of rotating a switch or button in a circular motion. For example: "I couldn't hear the radio so I had to turn the dial to find the station."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it might turn the dial slightly.

The Guardian

Now is the time to turn the dial back.

The Economist

"With a kaleidoscope, you turn the dial and it's a different configuration," he said.

The New York Times

Turn the dial on the drive from Dalton to Decatur and you'll hear it all.

The Washington Post

You switch it on and turn the dial until you find something interesting.

The New York Times

He will have to quickly turn the dial and get on with it".

The Guardian - Sport

"We wanted something that was major and long-lasting and could help turn the dial.

The Guardian

Just turn the dial.

Forbes

They turn the dial higher, prices go up, and they turn the dial harder still.

Forbes

Turn the dial the other direction.

Los Angeles Times

The television viewer can't be tempted to turn the dial.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turn the dial" when referring to a literal action of rotating a dial or knob to change a setting. It's also appropriate when speaking figuratively, about making a minor adjustment or shift.

Common error

Avoid using "turn the dial" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language might be preferred. Instead, opt for terms like "adjust", "modify", or "recalibrate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn the dial" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used both literally to describe the physical action of rotating a dial, and figuratively to mean making a small adjustment or change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

51%

News & Media

47%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "turn the dial" is a versatile idiom used to describe the action of rotating a dial or, more figuratively, making a slight adjustment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's quite common in both literal and figurative contexts, appearing frequently in news media and online guides. While generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "adjust" or "modify" in academic or professional settings. As shown in examples, "turn the dial" can refer to anything from operating machinery to fine-tuning a strategy. Be mindful of the context and choose the most appropriate wording to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adjust the setting

Focuses on the specific action of adjusting a setting on a device or system.

change the parameters

Emphasizes altering specific variables or constraints within a system.

modify the controls

Highlights making alterations to the control mechanisms.

tweak the adjustment

Suggests making small, subtle changes to fine-tune something.

shift the focus

Implies changing the main point of attention or emphasis.

alter the course

Suggests a change in direction or strategy.

redirect the effort

Emphasizes changing the direction of energy or work.

modify the approach

Focuses on changing the method or strategy used.

recalibrate the system

Indicates restoring a system to its proper calibration or alignment.

fine-tune the mechanism

Implies making precise adjustments to optimize a process.

FAQs

How can I use "turn the dial" in a sentence?

You can use "turn the dial" to describe physically rotating a knob or switch, as in "To adjust the volume, "turn the dial" clockwise". It can also be used figuratively to mean making a small adjustment or change.

What does "turn the dial" mean figuratively?

Figuratively, "turn the dial" means to make a slight adjustment or change to something, similar to fine-tuning. For example, "We need to "turn the dial" on our marketing strategy to reach a wider audience".

What are some alternatives to "turn the dial"?

Alternatives include "adjust the setting", "modify the controls", or "fine-tune the mechanism". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "turn the dial" in formal writing?

While "turn the dial" is widely understood, it might be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using alternatives like "adjust" or "modify" for a more formal tone.