turning sour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turning sour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or relationship that is becoming negative or unpleasant over time. Example: "Their friendship was once strong, but it has been turning sour ever since the argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

This is turning sour, fast.

Independent

My celebrations were turning sour.

The New Yorker

The game was turning sour.

The Guardian - Sport

The joke is turning sour.

The Guardian - Opinion

The number of loans turning sour still remains extraordinarily high.

The New York Times

But things are turning sour for consumers of milk.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 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

You turn sour.

The New Yorker

But the friendship turned sour.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turning sour", ensure the context clearly establishes what is declining or becoming negative. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "turning sour" for sudden, abrupt changes. It implies a gradual process of degradation. For sudden changes, consider "suddenly failed" or "collapsed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turning sour" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a continuous tense. It describes an ongoing process of something becoming negative or unpleasant, as demonstrated in various examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "turning sour" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a situation that is progressively becoming negative or unpleasant. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is broadly applicable across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the gradual nature of the phrase, ensuring it aligns with the context. For sudden changes, alternative expressions may be more appropriate. Remember to maintain clarity by specifying what exactly is "turning sour". With its frequent use in authoritative sources like the New York Times and The Guardian, it's a reliable and understandable expression to use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming unpleasant

Focuses on the shift towards an undesirable state.

degrading rapidly

Emphasizes a fast decline in quality or condition.

deteriorating quickly

Highlights a rapid worsening of a situation.

going downhill

An idiomatic expression indicating a decline.

taking a nosedive

Suggests a sharp and sudden downturn.

descending into chaos

Implies a fall into disorder and confusion.

heading for disaster

Indicates an impending negative outcome.

spiraling downward

Conveys a continuous and worsening decline.

becoming problematic

Highlights the emergence of issues and difficulties.

getting worse

A general term for something declining in quality or condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "turning sour" to describe a situation or relationship that is gradually becoming unpleasant. For example, "The deal started well, but negotiations are "turning sour"."

What can I say instead of "turning sour"?

Alternatives include "becoming unpleasant", "deteriorating quickly", or "going downhill", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "turning sour" in formal writing?

While "turning sour" is acceptable, more formal alternatives like "deteriorating" or "becoming problematic" might be preferred in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "turning sour" and "suddenly failed"?

"Turning sour" suggests a gradual decline, whereas "suddenly failed" implies an abrupt end. The choice depends on whether the change was gradual or immediate.