turned around

USAGE SUMMARY

"turned around" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of changing one's position or opinion in a particular situation. For example, "When their mayor was accused of corruption, the townspeople quickly turned around and called for him to resign."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You turned around.

The New Yorker

Finally, he turned around.

The New York Times

So she turned around.

The New York Times

He turned around.

The New Yorker

Hazel turned around fast.

The New Yorker

Tipton turned around.

The New York Times - Sports

She turned around.

The New Yorker

Mau turned around.

Independent

Then he turned around.

The New Yorker

Caesar turned around.

The New Yorker

"That has turned around".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turned around" to describe a business situation, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a change in financial performance, strategy, or overall direction.

Common error

Avoid using "turned around" in contexts where a more precise term for physical rotation is needed. For example, use "rotated" or "swiveled" if you mean a literal physical movement, reserving "turned around" for changes in condition or direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turned around" functions primarily as a verb in the past tense, often used to describe a change in direction or a reversal of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable. The examples show it used both literally (physical turning) and figuratively (change in circumstances).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "turned around" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for describing both physical rotation and figurative changes in circumstances. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news reports and business communications to everyday conversations. While sources like "The New York Times" and "The New Yorker" frequently employ this phrase, remember to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and explore related alternatives like "reversed direction" or "changed course" for greater precision. Be mindful of the context to avoid confusion between literal and figurative uses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a turnaround

Highlights the process of improvement or reversal.

did an about-face

Implies a sudden and complete reversal of opinion or action.

did a U-turn

Similar to 'about-face' but can also refer to a literal change in direction while driving.

reversed direction

Emphasizes the physical act of changing direction.

pivoted

Conveys a strategic change, often in business or technology contexts.

changed course

Highlights a shift in strategy or plan.

shifted position

Suggests a change in stance or viewpoint.

altered its trajectory

Suggests a change in the path or progression of something.

made a comeback

Indicates a return to success after a period of decline.

improved significantly

Focuses on a positive change in condition or performance.

FAQs

How can I use "turned around" in a sentence?

You can use "turned around" to describe a physical rotation, as in "He "turned around" to see who was calling his name". It can also describe a change in a situation, such as "The company's finances "turned around" after the new management took over".

What's the difference between "turned around" and "reversed"?

"Turned around" implies a change in direction or condition, while "reversed" suggests a complete return to a previous state or position. For example, a car can be "reversed" to go backwards, while a company's fortunes can be "turned around" with new strategies.

Which is correct, "the situation turned around" or "the situation has turned around"?

Both are correct, but they imply different timeframes. "The situation "turned around"" suggests a completed action in the past, while "the situation "has turned around"" indicates that the change happened in the past and its effects are still present.

What can I say instead of "turned around"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reversed direction", "changed course", or "improved significantly". The best choice will depend on the specific meaning you want to convey.