turned out to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'turned out to be' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something happened unexpectedly or surprisingly. For example, "The animal they thought was a cat turned out to be a raccoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The report turned out to be false.

The New York Times - Science

It turned out to be.

Independent

Turned out to be.

Cornell University

Eminem has turned out to be.

Independent

The admiration turned out to be mutual.

The New York Times

This turned out to be a hoax.

The Economist

The car turned out to be empty.

The New York Times

This has turned out to be tricky.

The Economist

This turned out to be easily done.

The New Yorker

Those profits turned out to be illusory.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But "Baseball" turned out to be different.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turned out to be" to introduce an unexpected result or a situation that contrasts with initial expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "turned out to be" when describing an outcome that was already highly predictable from the start. This phrase is most effective when there's an element of surprise or a deviation from what was anticipated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turned out to be" functions as a linking verb phrase. It connects a subject to a predicate nominative or adjective, indicating a resulting state or condition, often one that was not initially apparent or expected. Examples from Ludwig show it used to reveal unexpected outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turned out to be" is a versatile linking phrase used to express a realization or discovery, often involving an element of surprise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in a wide range of contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media sources, but also appears in Academia and Science. Related phrases include "ended up being" and "proved to be". When using "turned out to be", ensure it introduces an unexpected result rather than a predictable outcome. This comprehensive guide offers insights into its usage, common errors, and alternative phrasings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proved to be

This variation suggests that something was demonstrated or confirmed over time.

ended up being

This alternative focuses on the final state or condition after a process.

eventually became

This option stresses the role of time passing and the long-term evolution of something.

resulted in

This option highlights the consequence or effect of a preceding action or situation.

was discovered to be

This expression gives emphasis to the finding or uncovering of new information.

became apparent

This expression emphasizes the gradual realization or understanding of something.

was revealed as

This alternative suggests a disclosure or uncovering of something previously unknown.

evolved into

This phrasing suggests a process of gradual change and development.

materialized as

This phrasing is more formal, indicating the actualization of something expected or planned.

transpired to be

This alternative gives a sense of mystery around the outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "turned out to be" in a sentence?

Use "turned out to be" to introduce an unexpected result. For example, "The exam I thought would be difficult "turned out to be" quite easy".

What are some alternatives to "turned out to be"?

You can use alternatives like "ended up being", "resulted in", or "proved to be" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "turned out to be" when describing an outcome?

No, "turned out to be" is best used when the outcome is surprising or different from what was expected. If the outcome is predictable, a more direct statement might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between ""turned out to be"" and "became"?

"Turned out to be" implies an element of surprise or unexpectedness, while "became" simply indicates a change of state without necessarily implying surprise. For example, "He became a doctor" doesn't imply surprise, but "He "turned out to be" a talented musician" does.