turning the tide

USAGE SUMMARY

"turning the tide" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to reverse a situation or change the course of events. Example: The new legislation aimed at reducing carbon emissions is slowly turning the tide against climate change. Here, "turning the tide" expresses the idea that the legislation is having a positive impact and slowly reversing the negative effects of climate change.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Turning the tide is possible.

The Washington Post

We are close to turning the tide.

The Guardian - Business

Turning the tide will not be easy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Turning the tide in Colombia's conflicts could take years.

The Economist

"Turning the Tide" follows other reexaminations of the admissions process.

The New York Times

Now that would be turning the tide of history.

The Guardian

Turning the Tide convened leading social and behavioral public health scientists from across the country.

Columbia University

But that's just one aspect of turning the tide on the epidemic.

University of California, Berkeley

But turning the tide of the fighting might shift the negotiations, too.

The Economist

American casualties mounted, and there was no clear strategy for turning the tide.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He speaks of "turning the tide .The president has never been short of speeches or initiatives.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turning the tide", ensure the context clearly indicates what negative trend is being reversed and what factors are contributing to the change. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "turning the tide" for minor adjustments or insignificant changes. This idiom implies a substantial reversal of fortune, so reserve it for situations where the shift is truly significant.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "turning the tide" functions as a verbal expression to describe a significant reversal or change in direction, often in situations where there has been a negative or unfavorable trend. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatile usage across diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

14%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "turning the tide" is a very common idiom used to describe the reversal of a trend or the significant change in a situation's momentum. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical structure is correct and its usage is widespread across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, Formal & Business, and Science. While alternatives like "reversing the trend" and "shifting the momentum" exist, "turning the tide" offers a vivid and impactful way to convey that a significant change is underway. When using this phrase, ensure that the context makes clear the negative trend that is being reversed and the elements that contribute to such change. Avoid using this idiom to describe minor adjustments or insignificant changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reversing the trend

Emphasizes the action of stopping and changing a prevailing pattern.

shifting the momentum

Highlights the alteration in the driving force or energy behind an event.

stemming the flow

Focuses on halting or impeding a continuous movement or progression.

changing the course

Indicates a deviation from a planned or expected path.

tipping the balance

Suggests altering a state of equilibrium or equality.

gaining the upper hand

Describes achieving a position of advantage or control.

improving the situation

Focuses on making a positive change to current circumstances.

making a turnaround

Indicates a complete reversal of fortune or performance.

altering the dynamic

Highlights a change in the interplay of forces or influences.

redressing the balance

Suggests correcting an imbalance or unfair situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "turning the tide" to describe reversing a negative trend or making a significant change. For example: "The new policies are aimed at "reversing the trend" of declining student enrollment".

What are some alternatives to "turning the tide"?

Alternatives include phrases like "shifting the momentum", "changing the course", or ""reversing the trend"", which all suggest a significant change in direction or outcome.

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

Yes, "turning the tide" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, depending on the context. It is widely recognized and understood, making it appropriate for various audiences.

What's the difference between "turning the tide" and "stemming the flow"?

"Turning the tide" implies a complete reversal of a trend, whereas "stemming the flow" suggests merely halting or slowing down something, not necessarily reversing it.