turn the machine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turn the machine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when giving instructions related to operating or manipulating a machine, typically in a technical or mechanical context. Example: "To start the process, you need to turn the machine on and wait for it to warm up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

If something doesn't sound right, turn the machine off.

Yale University

Turn the machine 90 degrees to rotate the screen image.

The New York Times - Tech

You can't turn the machine off and on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Turn the machine back on and finish brewing.

The Washington Post

1. Combine all ingredients except shallot in a blender, and turn the machine on.

The New York Times - Food

But the hospital lacks even the electricity to turn the machine on to check if it works.

The New York Times

1. Combine all the ingredients except the greens in a blender and turn the machine on; a creamy emulsion will form within 30 seconds.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

They decided to turn the machines on this mystery.

The New York Times - Science

I had two video decks, and I literally had to turn the machines on and off to edit".

The Guardian - Film

A service can be conveniently invoked to turn the machine-friendly data into diagrams that can be viewed in a form that is most convenient to any scientist who wishes to view the data, and can be easily embedded within a common manuscript format.  .

Journal of Cheminformatics

They could use a virus to turn the machines into "bots" to do their bidding.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, be specific about which switch or button activates the machine. For example, instead of saying just "turn the machine on", say "turn the power switch on the right side of the machine to the 'on' position".

Common error

Avoid using "turn the machine" when a more specific verb is appropriate. For example, instead of "turn the machine to adjust the volume", use "adjust the volume knob".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn the machine" primarily functions as an imperative verb phrase, used to give a command or instruction. It directs someone to perform the action of switching on or activating a machine. Ludwig examples show its frequent use in instructional contexts, from operating machinery to using kitchen appliances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

32%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turn the machine" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to instruct someone to activate a device. Ludwig provides ample evidence of its usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in news media and instructional wikis. While often neutral in tone, the formality can shift based on the source and intended audience. When using this phrase, clarity is key: be specific about which switch or button to use for activation. Alternatives like ""switch on the device"" or ""power up the equipment"" may be suitable depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

switch on the device

Replaces "turn" with "switch on" and "machine" with "device", offering a slightly more formal tone.

power up the equipment

Uses "power up" instead of "turn" and "equipment" instead of "machine", suggesting a more technical context.

activate the mechanism

Substitutes "turn" with "activate" and "machine" with "mechanism", implying a more complex system.

start the machinery

Replaces "turn" with "start" and "machine" with "machinery", giving a more industrial feel.

engage the system

Uses "engage" instead of "turn" and "system" instead of "machine", suitable for complex or abstract systems.

set the apparatus in motion

A more formal and elaborate way of saying "turn the machine".

get the engine running

Specific to engines, this phrase implies starting the machine's motor.

initiate the process

Focuses on starting a process rather than just activating a machine.

enable the functionality

Emphasizes making a function available, often in a technological context.

bring the unit online

Suggests connecting a device to a network or making it operational in a digital environment.

FAQs

How do I use "turn the machine" in a sentence?

You can use "turn the machine" in a sentence to instruct someone to activate a device, for example, "To start the process, you need to "turn the machine" on and wait for it to warm up".

What can I say instead of "turn the machine"?

Alternatives include "switch on the device", "power up the equipment", or "activate the mechanism", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "turn on the machine" instead of "turn the machine"?

Both ""turn the machine"" and "turn on the machine" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What does "turn the machine off" mean?

"Turn the machine off" means to deactivate the device, stopping its operation. This is the opposite of "turn the machine" on.