turning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, often to indicate a change in direction, focus, or state. Example: "Turning the page, she discovered a new chapter filled with adventure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Turning to English, she added: "United and determined, we can defend our European economic and social model in the world.

The Guardian

But that's still a long way from turning these jobs into the kind of employment that can support a middle-class family.

The Economist

As part of the UK's largest after-hours cultural festival, more than 500 museums, galleries and heritage sites across the country are turning nocturnal this weekend, inviting the public to experience their collections and history after dark.

The Guardian

Turning to Paul Le Guen was bold, imaginative and seemingly unrealistic but demonstrative of a degree of audacity that Murray has often matched with persuasiveness to great effect.

The Guardian - Sport

What tuition fees did to Nick Clegg, this leadership U-turn is already doing to Farage, turning him into a human punchline who will never be believed again.

The Guardian - Opinion

Louis Walsh has given the X Factor producers another headache by turning up late for the ITV talent show's auditions.

The Guardian

"The way the debate is being conducted is so bland and repetitive with three men in grey suits throwing insults at each other, it is turning people off," said Conor McGurran, campaigns and citizenship officer at the student union.

The Guardian

Most of the population can feel their living standards fall further each year, yet the government is not for turning.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't see Hallam turning Labour," he said.

The Guardian

Now she asserted her constitutional right to take over the running of the country, and got the military top brass – themselves concerned with the direction Malawi was taking – to support her. Banda's inauguration as president in April 2012 was a turning point for Malawi.

The Guardian

"No one is ever happy with having to answer continuous allegations but as long as they have hearings, I'll keep turning up," he told the Seven Network.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turning" to indicate a physical rotation or a change in direction, focus, or state. Ensure the context clarifies the nature of the turn (e.g., "turning a corner", "turning to a new page", "turning the tide").

Common error

Avoid using "turning" as a direct and only substitute for the word "becoming" when describing gradual changes. While similar, "turning" often implies a more active or directional shift, so ensure it fits the nuance of the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "turning" is as a present participle or gerund, often acting as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is turning") or as a noun. Examples from Ludwig indicate its role in describing actions in progress, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turning" functions primarily as a present participle or gerund, used to describe dynamic processes or transitions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and very common, with its usage spanning from physical rotations to shifts in state or direction. While generally neutral in register, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using "turning", ensure that the context clarifies the nature of the turn and that it accurately reflects the intended meaning, avoiding its misuse as a direct substitute for "becoming". Alternatives like "revolving", "pivoting", or "shifting" can offer nuanced options for conveying similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shifting

Indicates a general change in position, direction, or state, offering a broader sense of transformation than "turning".

pivoting

Implies a change of direction or focus while maintaining a fixed point, suggesting a strategic adjustment.

transforming

Implies a significant change in the nature or appearance of something, indicating a more profound alteration.

revolving

Focuses specifically on circular movement around a central point, differing from "turning" which can imply a broader range of directional changes.

altering

Highlights the process of making something different or modified, suggesting a transformation in form or function.

converting

Focuses on changing something into a different form or substance, highlighting the result of the transformation.

swiveling

Describes a smooth, rotational movement around a vertical axis, often used for objects or parts that are designed to rotate.

morphing

Suggests a gradual and seamless transformation from one form to another, often used in digital or visual contexts.

diverting

Emphasizes the act of redirecting something or someone away from a specific course or destination, often for strategic reasons.

deflecting

Suggests a change in direction caused by an external force or influence, implying a diversion from the original path.

FAQs

How can I use "turning" in a sentence?

You can use "turning" to describe a physical rotation (e.g., "turning the steering wheel"), a change in direction (e.g., "turning onto a new street"), or a shift in focus or state (e.g., "turning to a new chapter in life").

What are some alternatives to the word "turning"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "revolving", "pivoting", "shifting", or "altering".

What is the difference between "turning" and "becoming"?

"Turning" often suggests a more active or directional change, while "becoming" indicates a gradual process of transformation. Use "turning" when you want to emphasize a shift or redirection, and "becoming" when you want to describe a gradual evolution.

Is it correct to use "turning" to describe an emotional change?

Yes, it is correct. You can use "turning" to describe a shift in emotions or feelings, such as "turning from sadness to joy" or "turning against someone". However, ensure that the context is appropriate and the phrasing conveys the intended meaning effectively.