turn on
HighNeutral to Informal
Definition
Meaning
To activate or start something, especially a device or machine.
To cause someone to become interested, excited, or sexually aroused; to depend on something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can be used literally for devices or figuratively for emotions and dependencies. The object can often be placed between 'turn' and 'on' (e.g., 'turn the light on').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Generally similar, but British English might use 'switch on' more interchangeably for devices, while American English prefers 'turn on' in broader contexts.
Connotations
In both dialects, the sexual connotation is common in informal speech.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both British and American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
turn on [object]turn [object] onVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “turn on the charm”
- “turn on the waterworks”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To initiate a process or system, e.g., 'Turn on the new software update.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing; used in technical descriptions, e.g., 'Turn on the laboratory equipment.'
Everyday
Common for household devices and informal situations, e.g., 'Turn on the fan; it's stuffy.'
Technical
In computing or engineering, e.g., 'Turn on the circuit breaker.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you turn on the kettle for tea?
American English
- Can you turn on the air conditioning? It's warm.
adverb
British English
- She turned the telly on and relaxed.
American English
- He turned the laptop on to check messages.
adjective
British English
- The turned-on appliance was consuming energy.
American English
- A turned-on device should be monitored for safety.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Turn on the lamp, please.
- I turn on the TV every morning.
- Can you turn on the computer for the presentation?
- She turned on the heater because it was cold.
- He turned on the ignition and drove away.
- The new evidence turned on the key point of the case.
- The debate turned on the implications of climate change policy.
- Her speech turned on the audience's emotions effectively.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine rotating a switch to the ON position to start something.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACTIVATION IS TURNING ON; AROUSAL IS BEING TURNED ON.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation might limit usage to devices, missing figurative meanings like arousal.
- Confusing with 'turn on' meaning to attack, which is 'нападать' in Russian.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect word order: 'on turn the light' instead of 'turn on the light'.
- Overusing in formal contexts where 'activate' is more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a synonym for 'turn on' in the context of activating a device?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in informal contexts, it means to excite or arouse someone, often sexually.
Yes, the object can be placed between 'turn' and 'on', e.g., 'turn the music on'.
They are often interchangeable, but 'turn on' is more common in American English for various devices, while 'switch on' might be preferred in British English for devices with switches.
It is pronounced /tɝn ɑn/ in American English.