turn to
B2Neutral to formal; common in both spoken and written English.
Definition
Meaning
To start doing or using something, especially as a solution or alternative; to direct one's attention or efforts toward something or someone.
Can also mean to seek help, advice, or comfort from someone; to change to a different subject in conversation or writing; (of a book) to open at a particular page.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A phrasal verb with multiple related senses centered on the idea of direction change—physical, mental, or situational. Often implies a shift prompted by need, circumstance, or choice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Slight preference in UK English for 'turn to' in the sense of 'consult a reference' (e.g., 'turn to page 10').
Connotations
Equally neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] turn to [Object (person/thing)][Subject] turn to [Object] for [Noun][Subject] turn to [Verb-ing]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “turn over a new leaf”
- “turn the tables”
- “turn a blind eye”
- “turn one's hand to something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Companies may turn to outsourcing to reduce costs.
Academic
The researcher turned to archival data to verify the hypothesis.
Everyday
When my car broke down, I had to turn to my neighbour for a lift.
Technical
The system will automatically turn to backup power in case of a failure.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He turned to gardening after he retired.
- Please turn to chapter three.
- Many turn to the NHS in times of need.
American English
- She turned to freelance work after leaving her job.
- Turn to page 45 in your textbook.
- He turned to his pastor for guidance.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Turn to page 10, please.
- I turn to my mum when I am sad.
- When it started to rain, we turned to playing board games indoors.
- He turned to his friend for a loan.
- The government may have to turn to stricter measures to control inflation.
- The conversation turned to politics, as it often does.
- Faced with dwindling resources, the community turned to innovative recycling methods.
- The novelist turns to the theme of isolation in her later works.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of physically TURNing your body TO face someone you need help from.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE PHYSICAL OBSTACLES; SOLUTIONS ARE DIRECTIONS (We turn towards a solution).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'повернуть к' for abstract uses. English 'turn to' implies beginning an action or seeking, not just physical rotation.
- Do not confuse with 'turn into' (превращаться).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'turn on' instead of 'turn to' for seeking help (e.g., 'I turned on my friend for advice' is incorrect).
- Omitting 'to' (e.g., 'She turned him for help').
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'The discussion turned to budget cuts,' what does 'turned to' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot say 'turn the page to' for this meaning.
Yes, it is neutral. You can turn to a healthier lifestyle or turn to a rewarding new hobby.
'Turn to' means to start using or consulting. 'Turn into' means to transform or become something else (e.g., The caterpillar turned into a butterfly).
It is neutral and acceptable in both formal and informal contexts.