turning the corner

USAGE SUMMARY

"turning the corner" is an accepted phrase in written English.
It usually refers figuratively to a time when a difficult situation has improved or is expected to improve soon. For example, "We have been struggling with this project for months, but we are finally turning the corner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Irish economy is turning the corner.

The New York Times

It may be turning the corner.

The Economist

Greece is not turning the corner.

The New York Times

"Qwest is turning the corner".

The New York Times

The economy is probably turning the corner.

The New York Times

I think we're turning the corner.

The New York Times - Sports

Varejao believes that Casspi could be turning the corner.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's really devastating if you're finally turning the corner".

The New York Times

I think we can all feel it turning the corner".

The New York Times - Arts

But there are signs Dixon may be turning the corner.

The New York Times - Sports

I hope we're turning the corner at the right time".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "turning the corner" with specific details to illustrate the nature of the improvement. For instance, 'The company is turning the corner, with sales up 15% this quarter'.

Common error

Avoid using "turning the corner" to describe the very beginning of an effort. This phrase implies that the worst is already over. Instead, use it when there's clear evidence of improvement after a period of difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "turning the corner" is as an idiomatic phrase. It typically functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence, indicating a shift or improvement in a situation. Ludwig provides many examples of it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turning the corner" is a very common idiomatic phrase used to describe the point at which a difficult situation begins to improve. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and business. While semantically similar phrases like "making progress" or "improving steadily" exist, "turning the corner" specifically implies overcoming prior challenges. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates a shift from a negative to a positive trajectory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making progress

A more general term indicating advancement but not necessarily a complete turnaround.

getting back on track

Focuses on returning to a desired course after a deviation; implies a plan or expectation.

on the upswing

Focuses on upward movement and positive trend; less specific about overcoming a previous challenge.

gaining momentum

Focuses on increasing speed and force; less about overcoming a past issue.

improving steadily

Emphasizes a gradual, consistent positive change; may not imply a prior period of difficulty.

coming along

Implies a satisfactory progression, but not necessarily a reversal of fortune.

seeing daylight

Implies a shift from darkness or difficulty to a more positive outlook; less about recovery and more about initial hope.

looking up

Suggests things are improving, often in a general or emotional sense; less formal than "turning the corner".

on the mend

Specifically relates to recovery, often from illness or injury; less applicable to broader situations like economic recovery.

out of the woods

Indicates that the most dangerous or difficult part of a situation has passed; emphasizes risk more than recovery.

FAQs

What does "turning the corner" mean?

The phrase "turning the corner" means that a difficult situation is improving or has passed its worst point. It suggests a positive change or a recovery from a setback.

How can I use "turning the corner" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "After months of losses, the business is finally "turning the corner"". This shows that the business is improving after a period of difficulty.

What are some alternatives to "turning the corner"?

You can use alternatives like "making progress", "improving steadily", or "getting back on track" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "turning the corner" in formal writing?

Yes, "turning the corner" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It's a common idiom that is easily understood in various contexts, as Ludwig highlights.