turned upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turned upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a sudden change in direction or focus, often in a dramatic or confrontational context. Example: "The conversation turned upon the controversial topic of climate change, sparking a heated debate among the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

At least this one didn't see you turned upon by both a scrawny Burberry Boy and the hideous shrill female companion he was threatening to hit.

The Guardian - Sport

So moviegoers ate up Mr. Serpico's no-good-deed-goes-unpunished story in which he learns about widespread police corruption, reports it and soon finds himself in danger, turned upon by his fellow officers.

The New York Times

The final decision, written by Lord Mansfield and endorsed by Aston and Willes JJ, confirmed that there existed copyright at common law that turned "upon Principles before and independent" of the Statute of Anne, something justified because it was right "that an Author should reap the pecuniary Profits of his own Ingenuity and Labour".

Wikipedia

Some of that anger was turned upon us — American citizens".

The New Yorker

Friends, neighbours, colleagues and families turned upon each other.

The Guardian

But when Beckham retires the world's cameras are turned upon him.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

This turns upon the treatment of a sinner like Wilde himself.

The Guardian - Opinion

How easily the Peoples Armyy can turn upon the people.

The Guardian - Books

The answers to these questions will turn upon the choices Russia makes in the next decade.

The New York Times

Rooney appealed to supporters not to turn upon the former England captain.

Independent

True radical thought, he insisted, would now turn upon the "relationship of culture to society".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turned upon" to emphasize a dramatic or unexpected shift in focus, allegiance, or attack. This usage adds impact and emotional weight to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "turned upon" when you simply mean "focused on" or "depended on" without the element of opposition or conflict. The phrase implies a more forceful or antagonistic redirection.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "turned upon" primarily functions as a dynamic verb phrase, indicating a change in direction, focus, or allegiance. It often implies a sense of confrontation, opposition, or dependence, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "turned upon" is commonly used to describe a shift in focus or allegiance, often with negative implications like attack or betrayal. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. When using this phrase, consider its implications of confrontation and ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. For alternative expressions, consider options such as "focused on" or "revolved around" based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turned against

Describes a shift in allegiance or favor from one side to another.

turned its attention to

Indicates a change in focus of some entity.

focused on

Emphasizes a shift in attention or concentration toward something.

centered on

Highlights that a specific topic or idea is the main point of discussion.

revolved around

Indicates that something is central or crucial to a topic or situation.

hinged on

Signifies that the outcome or success is reliant on a particular aspect.

depended on

Highlights reliance or conditionality on a specific factor or element.

became hostile to

Indicates a change in attitude towards an unfriendly or aggressive behavior.

attacked

Implies a sudden hostile action directed at someone or something.

switched to

Simple indicates a change or shift of focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "turned upon" to describe a situation where someone or something unexpectedly attacks or opposes another. For example: "The crowd suddenly "turned upon" the speaker, shouting insults".

What's a good alternative to "turned upon" when describing a change in focus?

Alternatives to "turned upon" when describing a change in focus include "focused on", "centered on", or "revolved around", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative when something is "turned upon" something else?

Yes, "turned upon" generally implies a negative or hostile action. It suggests a sudden shift from a neutral or positive stance to one of opposition or aggression. However, in some contexts it can simply highlight an unexpected focus change.

What's the difference between "turned against" and "turned upon"?

"Turned against" implies a betrayal or shift in allegiance, while "turned upon" suggests a more direct and immediate attack or confrontation. For example, a friend might "turned against" you by spreading rumors, but an angry mob might "turned upon" you with violence.