turning it on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turning it on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to activating a device or system, such as electronics or machinery. Example: "After setting everything up, I finally pressed the button for turning it on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's more to note before turning it on: there's only one socket.

Independent

I'm turning it on now.

The New Yorker

It's not just plugging it in and turning it on".

The New York Times

Have you tried turning it on and off?

The New Yorker

And various parts of the local Democratic machine are turning it on for him.

The New York Times

The device takes two AAA batteries; after turning it on, you go outside to sync it with GPS satellites.

The New York Times

We pride ourselves in turning it on for every game we play in and we want to win every game.

Independent

"And it's useful and people are turning it on".

TechCrunch

I'd recommend turning it on with a code generator.

TechCrunch

Light switch scenario simulates sudden illumination change by switching off a light and later turning it on again.

IPSJ Transactions on Computer Vision and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

You can do this by placing their cage near a light and turning it on/off when you need to.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turning it on" when you want to clearly indicate the action of activating a device, system, or feature. It's suitable for both technical and general contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "turning it on" when a more specific verb would be appropriate, such as "launching" an application or "activating" a service. Choosing the right word improves clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turning it on" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of activating or initiating the operation of a device or system. Ludwig provides examples across various domains demonstrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

29%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "turning it on" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the activation of a device or system. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for diverse contexts ranging from news and media to technical instructions. While versatile, it's best to choose more specific verbs when precision is required. Remember to consider the context to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

activating it

Focuses specifically on the act of making something active or functional.

powering it up

Implies providing power to a device, often used for electronic equipment.

switching it on

Highlights the action of using a switch to initiate operation.

starting it up

Emphasizes the beginning of a process or operation.

enabling it

Suggests making something capable or available for use.

booting it up

Refers specifically to starting a computer or other digital device.

initiating it

Highlights the commencement or formal start of something.

engaging it

Implies bringing something into operation or use.

setting it in motion

Suggests starting a process or activity.

getting it going

Informal way to describe starting or activating something.

FAQs

How can I use "turning it on" in a sentence?

You can use "turning it on" to describe activating a device or feature, for example, "I'm "turning it on" now" or "She was "turning it on" for every game she played in".

What can I say instead of "turning it on"?

You can use alternatives like "activating it", "powering it up", or "switching it on" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "turning it on" and "powering it up"?

"Turning it on" is a general term for activating something, while "powering it up" specifically refers to supplying electrical power to a device.

Which is more appropriate, "turning it on" or "enabling it"?

"Turning it on" is used for physical devices, while "enabling it" is more suitable for features or functionalities.