turning to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turning to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when demanding attention or action from someone. For example, "Turning to the audience, she began to speak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Turning to "V".

The New Yorker

Bombast is turning to panic.

The Economist

Dudes are turning to quality".

The New York Times

Now they are turning to Bolivia.

The New York Times - Food

So why am I turning to it?

Independent

"So," he said, turning to me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now they are turning to one another.

The New York Times

Turning to sociology might provide an answer.

The Guardian

The hot dusk was turning to night.

The New York Times

"Oh!" she replied, turning to a friend.

The New Yorker

Many are turning to social media.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turning to" to describe seeking help or advice, make sure the context clearly indicates the source of the help. For example, "Feeling overwhelmed, she is turning to her mentor for guidance."

Common error

Avoid using "turning to" when you only mean a physical rotation without a change in focus or strategy. Instead of saying "He was turning to the left", simply state "He turned left" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turning to" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a shift in focus, a change in direction, or a recourse to something or someone. According to Ludwig AI, it is used when demanding attention or action from someone, as illustrated by examples like "Turning to sociology might provide an answer."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "turning to" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate a shift in focus, a change in strategy, or a recourse to something or someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, its communicative purpose is to signal a change or a new direction. Related phrases such as "referring to" and "resorting to" offer alternative ways to express similar meanings. When using "turning to", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the shift or the source of help being sought.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

referring to

Focuses specifically on mentioning or citing something or someone.

resorting to

Emphasizes using something as a last option or when other methods have failed.

looking towards

Implies seeking guidance, support, or solutions from a specific source.

addressing

Highlights dealing with a particular issue or subject directly.

considering

Indicates thinking about something carefully, but not necessarily acting on it.

consulting

Specifically involves seeking advice or information from an expert or source.

approaching

Suggests starting to deal with something, whether a problem or a person.

seeking

Focuses on the act of searching for or requesting something.

depending on

Emphasizes reliance on someone or something for support or success.

pivoting to

Suggests a strategic shift or change in direction or focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "turning to" to indicate a shift in focus, reliance, or physical orientation. For example, "Turning to the data, we can see a clear trend" or "Turning to her advisor, she sought guidance".

What are some alternatives to "turning to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "referring to", "resorting to", or "looking towards".

Is "turning to" formal or informal?

"Turning to" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, more precise alternatives might be preferred depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "turning to" and "turning toward"?

"Turning to" generally implies a shift in focus, reliance, or action. "Turning toward" is often used to describe a physical movement in a specific direction, though it can also imply a change in attitude or approach. The subtle distinction lies in the intention and context of use.