turned to leave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turned to leave" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone changed direction in order to begin the action of leaving. For example: "John turned to leave, but then thought better of it and turned back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Nwamgba turned to leave.

The New Yorker

I turned to leave.

The New York Times - Arts

She turned to leave.

The New Yorker

I turned to leave the meeting room.

The New Yorker

She excused herself and turned to leave.

The New Yorker

Then he abruptly turned to leave.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I'm sorry," I said, turning to leave.

The New Yorker

"Thank you," the governor said, waving and turning to leave.

The New York Times

With no further chitchat, he turns to leave.

The Guardian

He arrives ingreat dejection, tells the truth, and abjectly turns to leave.

Harvard University

Russell, who played the trombone with the band, runs after Miriam when she turns to leave.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turned to leave" to clearly indicate a change in physical orientation preceding the act of departing. This provides a vivid image of the person's intention.

Common error

Avoid using "turned to leave" when the action is simply walking away without a distinct change in direction. Using more direct verbs like "left" or "departed" might be more appropriate in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turned to leave" functions as a verb phrase indicating a physical action combined with intention. It describes the act of changing one's orientation to begin the process of departing from a place or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turned to leave" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that clearly conveys the action of changing direction with the intent to depart. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples showcase its versatility across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to ensure it accurately reflects the scenario – a change in direction followed by leaving. Alternatives like "started to walk away" or "began to depart" can provide nuanced substitutes, depending on the desired level of formality or emphasis. Remember to reserve it for situations where a distinct change in direction precedes the act of leaving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started to walk away

Focuses on the action of walking as the means of leaving, rather than the change in direction.

prepared to exit

Suggests a state of readiness or anticipation before leaving.

began to depart

Emphasizes the commencement of the departure process, sounding more formal.

moved to depart

Highlights the physical movement associated with leaving.

made to exit

Highlights the intention or action of exiting a place.

shifted to leave

Indicates a slight adjustment or change in position before departing.

started to head out

Indicates a casual intention to leave, focusing on the direction.

stepped away

Implies moving a short distance to create separation before leaving.

went to go

A more informal way of saying someone was about to leave.

withdrew to go

Conveys a sense of retreat or quiet departure.

FAQs

How can I use "turned to leave" in a sentence?

You can use "turned to leave" to describe someone changing their direction with the intent to depart. For example, "After the argument, she "turned to leave" the room."

What are some alternatives to "turned to leave"?

Alternatives include "started to walk away", "began to depart", or "made to exit" depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "turned to leave" formal or informal?

"Turned to leave" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The examples Ludwig provides show it used in news articles and fiction alike.

When should I NOT use "turned to leave"?

Avoid using "turned to leave" if the action is simply walking away without a change in direction. In that case, verbs like "left" or "departed" might be better choices.