good turn: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, semi-formal.
Quick answer
What does “good turn” mean?
A helpful or kind act done for someone without expecting anything in return.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A helpful or kind act done for someone without expecting anything in return.
A specific instance of assistance or a favour that promotes someone's welfare, often used to denote reciprocation within a social relationship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common and idiomatic in British English, but perfectly understood and used in American English. The phrase 'do someone a favour' is a more frequent near-equivalent in AmE.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of old-fashioned courtesy and neighbourliness. In BrE, it can sound slightly quaint or wholesome.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in BrE; low-to-moderate in AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “good turn” in a Sentence
to do [someone] a good turnto repay/return a good turna good turn for [someone]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used metaphorically for professional favours or networking assistance.
Academic
Very rare; not a technical term.
Everyday
Common in personal and social contexts to describe informal help.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “good turn”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “good turn”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “good turn”
- Using 'good turning' (incorrect nominalization).
- Confusing with 'turn of good fortune' (which is about luck).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal to semi-formal. It is suitable for everyday conversation and informal writing, but not for highly formal or legal documents.
It is uncommon in formal business writing. However, it can be used metaphorically in spoken business English to refer to professional favours or networking help.
'Do' is the most frequent and natural collocation: 'to do someone a good turn'.
They are largely synonymous, but 'good turn' often implies a slightly more selfless or morally commendable act and is a more fixed, idiomatic phrase. 'Favour' is more general and neutral.
A helpful or kind act done for someone without expecting anything in return.
Good turn: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡʊd ˈtɜːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡʊd ˈtɝːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “One good turn deserves another.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **good** knight taking a **turn** to help someone in need. The helpful action is his 'good turn'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL INTERACTION IS A JOURNEY (taking a turn to help someone on their path).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'One good turn deserves another' mean?