turned sour

USAGE SUMMARY

"turned sour" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a change in something, typically a situation or relationship, from positive or sweet to negative or unpleasant. Example: The once close friendship between Sarah and Jane turned sour after a misunderstanding.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But things turned sour.

The New York Times

Now things have turned sour.

The Economist

But the season turned sour.

The New York Times

But the friendship turned sour.

The Economist

Until the safe bet turned sour.

The New York Times

But these too have turned sour.

The Economist

The country's mood has turned sour.

The New York Times

The mood has again turned sour.

The Economist

But the mood soon turned sour again.

The New York Times

It has turned sour and small.

The New Yorker

The mood swiftly turned sour.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turned sour" to describe a situation, relationship, or feeling that was once positive but has become negative or unpleasant. It effectively conveys a sense of disappointment or disillusionment.

Common error

Avoid using "turned sour" for situations that were always bad; it's best for describing a change from good to bad. For something consistently awful, use phrases like "remained awful" or "was always a disaster".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turned sour" functions as a predicate in sentences, describing how a subject (situation, relationship, etc.) has changed to become unpleasant or negative. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is widely accepted and employed across various writing contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "turned sour" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a negative change in a situation or relationship, as verified by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, it conveys disappointment or dissatisfaction. While generally neutral, formal contexts may require alternatives like "deteriorated". When using this phrase, ensure it describes a change from positive to negative, avoiding its application to situations that were always bad. Ludwig's examples show consistent usage across varied sources, reinforcing its applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

soured

Simplifies the phrase to its verb form, losing some of the idiomatic feel but retaining the core meaning of becoming disagreeable.

turned bad

Simply states that something has become undesirable or negative, lacking the nuance of "sourness."

took a turn for the worse

Highlights a sudden and adverse change in circumstances or health, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the decline.

went downhill

Suggests a rapid decline or deterioration, implying a loss of control or momentum.

became unpleasant

Focuses on the shift to an undesirable or disagreeable state, which is a more general description.

deteriorated

Describes a gradual decline or worsening of a situation, relationship, or condition.

degenerated

Emphasizes a decline in quality or moral character, suggesting a more profound level of deterioration.

became bitter

Indicates the development of resentment or animosity, suggesting a negative emotional shift.

became strained

Specifically indicates that a relationship or situation is no longer relaxed or comfortable, focusing on tension.

declined

A general term for a decrease in quality or condition, applicable to a wide range of scenarios.

FAQs

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

You can use "turned sour" to describe a relationship, situation, or agreement that has become unpleasant or negative. For example, "Their friendship "turned sour" after a disagreement over money".

What's a less common way to say "turned sour"?

Alternatives include phrases like "degenerated", "took a turn for the worse", or simply "became unpleasant", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "turned sour" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "turned sour" might be too informal for certain academic or highly professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "deteriorated" or "became strained" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "turned sour" and "went bad"?

"Turned sour" typically implies a change in quality or relationship from positive to negative, often with an element of disappointment. "Went bad" is more general and can refer to something that was never good or simply spoiled, like food.