b-1
A1 (extremely high frequency)Universal - used in all registers from highly formal to extremely informal.
Definition
Meaning
To change position or direction, or to cause something to change position or direction, often in a circular motion.
To change in state, condition, or nature; to become something different.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A highly polysemous verb with over 50 distinct meanings in major dictionaries. Core concept involves change in orientation or state. Often used in phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in derivatives (e.g., 'turned' vs. 'turned'). Some phrasal verb usage differs slightly (e.g., 'turn off the light' vs. 'turn out the light' is more common in UK). 'Turn up trumps' is chiefly British.
Connotations
Generally identical core connotations. 'Turn' in sports (cricket) refers to the behavior of a pitch in UK, while in US sports context is less common.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SV (intransitive: He turned.)SVO (transitive: She turned the key.)SVC (copular: The milk turned sour.)SVO+A (transitive with adverbial: Turn it clockwise.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “turn over a new leaf”
- “turn the tables”
- “turn a deaf ear”
- “one good turn deserves another”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To achieve profit (e.g., 'The company turned a profit last quarter.').
Academic
To change or transform (e.g., 'The discussion turned to matters of ethics.').
Everyday
Changing physical direction or operating devices (e.g., 'Turn left at the traffic lights.', 'Turn on the TV.').
Technical
In mechanics: to shape on a lathe; in games: a chance or opportunity to play.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you turn the heating up, please?
- He turned the offer down flat.
- The weather turned nasty later in the day.
American English
- Please turn the A/C down.
- She turned down the job in Chicago.
- The discussion turned political.
adverb
British English
- This fabric is turn-edge finished.
American English
- The turn-finished seam looks professional.
adjective
British English
- There's a turn lane just ahead.
- The turn indicator is flashing.
American English
- Use the turn lane to merge.
- Your left turn signal is out.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Turn left at the shop.
- Please turn off your phone.
- The leaves turn yellow in autumn.
- He turned the handle but the door was locked.
- She turned her hobby into a successful business.
- It's your turn to wash the dishes.
- The debate turned on the issue of human rights.
- The market turned bearish after the announcement.
- He can turn a phrase beautifully.
- The prosecutor's questioning took an unexpected turn.
- Over the centuries, the castle turned from fortress to ruin.
- He possesses the ability to turn a sow's ear into a silk purse.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TURNstile - you have to TURN to go through it.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE IS TURNING (e.g., 'His luck turned.'); ATTENTION IS DIRECTION (e.g., 'She turned her attention to the problem.').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid overusing 'turn' for 'become' (стать) in all contexts. 'Turn red' is fine, but 'turn a doctor' is wrong - use 'become a doctor'.
- Confusing 'turn on' (включить) with 'switch on' - they are often synonyms.
- Misusing the order in phrasal verbs: 'turn the light on' vs. 'turn on the light' (both correct).
Common Mistakes
- *She turned to be a doctor. (Incorrect) -> She became a doctor. (Correct)
- *I turned the TV to watch the news. (Incorrect) -> I turned on the TV to watch the news. (Correct)
- Using 'turn' without an object where one is needed: *The key turned in the lock by itself. (Awkward) -> The key turned in the lock. (Correct).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses of 'turn' is NOT correct?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Turn' is a general term for changing direction. 'Rotate' implies movement around a central axis or point, and is more specific and often used in technical contexts.
No. 'Turn into' can be used for physical transformations (The frog turned into a prince) and metaphorical ones (Their argument turned into a full-blown fight).
When 'turn' is followed directly by an adjective or a noun (with 'into'), it is a linking verb describing a change of state: 'turn red', 'turn sour', 'turn into a problem'.
Yes, very commonly. It can mean an act of turning, a change of direction, a time or opportunity to do something (e.g., 'Take a left turn.', 'Wait your turn.'), or a short performance ('a comedy turn').