Mastering Phrasal Verbs with “Turn”: A Comprehensive Guide

Phrasal verbs are an essential part of natural English, adding depth, variety, and idiomatic color to your conversations and writing. Among them, phrasal verbs with “turn” are especially common and versatile, with each combination carrying a distinct meaning that can easily confuse learners.

For example:

• Turn on (to start a machine)

• Turn down (to reject or lower)

• Turn into (to transform)

Mastering these phrasal verbs will help you understand native speakers more easily and express your thoughts clearly in everyday English.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn:
✅ What phrasal verbs with “turn” mean in different contexts
✅ The difference between transitive and intransitive forms
✅ How to use them correctly in sentences
✅ Common mistakes to avoid
✅ Practice exercises to test your understanding

Whether you are a beginner looking to expand your vocabulary or an advanced learner refining your fluency, this guide will give you the tools to confidently incorporate phrasal verbs with “turn” into your spoken and written English.

By the end of this article, you will be able to use these phrasal verbs naturally, making your English sound more accurate, expressive, and fluent.

Table of Contents

• Definition of Phrasal Verbs with “Turn”
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories of Phrasal Verbs with “Turn”
  • Intransitive Phrasal Verbs with “Turn”
  • Transitive Phrasal Verbs with “Turn”
• Examples of Phrasal Verbs with “Turn”
  • Turn on
  • Turn off
  • Turn up
  • Turn Down
  • Turn Into
  • Turn Out
  • Turn Over
  • Turn Around
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definition of Phrasal Verbs with “Turn”

A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that together create a new meaning, often distinct from the original verb. Phrasal verbs with “turn” are no exception.

The verb “turn” itself generally implies a rotation or change in direction. However, when combined with particles, it can take on a variety of meanings, ranging from activating a device (“turn on”) to rejecting an offer (“turn down”).

The meaning of a phrasal verb cannot be easily deduced from the individual meanings of its components. This is what makes them challenging but also fascinating to learn.

Understanding the context in which a phrasal verb is used is crucial for accurate interpretation. Phrasal verbs can function as adjectives (e.g., a “turned-up” collar), but this article will focus on their primary function as verbs.

Phrasal verbs can be classified as either separable or inseparable. Inseparable phrasal verbs require the object to follow the entire phrasal verb. Separable phrasal verbs allow the object to be placed either between the verb and the particle or after the entire phrasal verb, especially when the object is a pronoun. The specific rules for separability depend on the particular phrasal verb.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure of a phrasal verb with “turn” is: Turn + Particle(s). The particle can be an adverb (e.g., “up,” “down,” “around”) or a preposition (e.g., “into,” “on,” “off”). Some phrasal verbs may even have two particles (e.g., “turn up with”).

Understanding the structure is essential for correctly using phrasal verbs in sentences. The placement of the object, if there is one, depends on whether the phrasal verb is separable or inseparable.

Let’s consider some examples:

• Turn on (separable): You can say “Turn on the light” or “Turn the light on.”
• Turn into (inseparable): You can only say “The caterpillar turned into a butterfly.” You cannot say *”The caterpillar turned the butterfly into.”*

The tense of the verb “turn” changes according to the context of the sentence. For example, “I turned off the lights” (past tense), “She is turning the music down” (present continuous), “They will turn up late” (future tense).

Types and Categories of Phrasal Verbs with “Turn”

Phrasal verbs with “turn” can be categorized based on their transitivity – whether they take a direct object (transitive) or not (intransitive). Understanding the transitivity of a phrasal verb is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences.

Intransitive Phrasal Verbs with “Turn”

Intransitive phrasal verbs do not take a direct object. The action of the verb is complete in itself without affecting anything else.

Here are some examples of intransitive phrasal verbs with “turn”:

• Turn up (appear): He didn’t turn up for the meeting.
• Turn out (happen, result): It turned out to be a beautiful day.
• Turn around (change direction): The economy has started to turn around.

Transitive Phrasal Verbs with “Turn”

Transitive phrasal verbs take a direct object. The action of the verb affects something or someone.

Here are some examples of transitive phrasal verbs with “turn”:

• Turn on (activate): Turn on the television.
• Turn off (deactivate): Turn off the lights.
• Turn down (reject): They turned down our offer.
• Turn over (flip): Turn over the page.

Examples of Phrasal Verbs with “Turn”

This section provides extensive examples of various phrasal verbs with “turn,” categorized by their particle. Each example is designed to illustrate the specific meaning and usage of the phrasal verb in context.

Understanding these examples will significantly enhance your ability to use these expressions accurately and confidently.

Turn On

“Turn on” typically means to activate a device or system. It can also, informally, mean to cause someone to feel sexually aroused or excited.

Below is a table with examples of using “Turn On”:

Sentence	Meaning
Please turn on the lights; it’s getting dark.	Activate the lights.
Did you turn on the oven?	Activate the oven.
She turned on the radio to listen to the news.	Activated the radio.
He knows how to turn on his charm.	Activate his charm; be charming.
That kind of music doesn’t really turn me on.	Doesn’t excite me.
Turn on the air conditioner; it’s so hot in here.	Activate the air conditioner.
Don’t forget to turn on the alarm before you leave.	Activate the alarm.
The TV wouldn’t turn on, so I checked the power cord.	The TV wouldn’t activate.
Can you turn on the projector for the presentation?	Activate the projector.
The switch is faulty; it’s hard to turn it on.	Hard to activate it.
Turning on the computer is the first step.	Activating the computer.
She turned on the microphone before speaking.	Activated the microphone.
He turned on all the Christmas lights.	Activated all the Christmas lights.
Turn on the fountain, it looks pretty.	Activate the fountain.
Make sure to turn on the security system.	Activate the security system.
The engine wouldn’t turn on this morning.	The engine wouldn’t activate.
Turn on the fan; it’s stuffy in here.	Activate the fan.
I always turn on the coffee maker first thing.	Activate the coffee maker.
She turned on the answering machine before leaving.	Activated the answering machine.
Remember to turn on the sprinkler system.	Activate the sprinkler system.
Turn on your imagination!	Activate your imagination.
The actor’s confidence really turned the audience on.	Excited the audience.
Some people are turned on by intelligence.	Excited by intelligence.

Turn Off

“Turn off” means to deactivate a device or system. It can also mean to cause someone to lose interest or feel repulsed.

The following table includes various examples of using “Turn Off”:

Sentence	Meaning
Please turn off the lights when you leave.	Deactivate the lights.
Don’t forget to turn off the stove.	Deactivate the stove.
She turned off the television and went to bed.	Deactivated the television.
His rude behavior really turned me off.	Made me lose interest.
Turn off the engine to save gas.	Deactivate the engine.
Turn off your cell phone during the movie.	Deactivate your cell phone.
I turned off the computer before leaving the office.	Deactivated the computer.
The sound was turned off during the presentation.	The sound was deactivated.
Make sure to turn off the water when you’re done.	Deactivate the water flow.
The pilot turned off the autopilot system.	Deactivated the autopilot system.
Turn off all non-essential appliances.	Deactivate all non-essential appliances.
The robot turned off its sensors.	Deactivated its sensors.
She turned off the notification sound.	Deactivated the notification sound.
Turn off the music; I need to concentrate.	Deactivate the music.
He turned off the printer after printing.	Deactivated the printer.
The machine automatically turns off after use.	The machine automatically deactivates.
Turn off the heat; it’s too warm in here.	Deactivate the heat.
I always turn off the iron after using it.	Deactivate the iron.
She turned off the lights to save energy.	Deactivated the lights.
Remember to turn off the faucet tightly.	Deactivate the faucet tightly.
Turn off your worries and enjoy the moment.	Deactivate your worries.
The long lecture really turned me off.	Made me lose interest.
His arrogance completely turned her off.	Made her feel repulsed.

Turn Up

“Turn up” can mean to arrive or appear, often unexpectedly. It can also mean to increase the volume or intensity of something.

The examples below clearly explain the different uses of the expression “Turn Up”:

Sentence	Meaning
He didn’t turn up for the party.	He didn’t arrive at the party.
My keys eventually turned up in my coat pocket.	My keys were found.
Can you turn up the volume? I can’t hear.	Increase the volume.
Opportunities will turn up if you’re patient.	Opportunities will appear.
She turned up late as usual.	She arrived late.
Turn up the heat; I’m freezing.	Increase the heat.
The missing documents turned up in the archive.	The missing documents were found.
He turned up at the meeting uninvited.	He arrived at the meeting uninvited.
Turn up the brightness on the screen.	Increase the brightness.
They turned up unexpectedly at our door.	They arrived unexpectedly.
Turn up the flavor by adding more spices.	Increase the flavor.
The truth will eventually turn up.	The truth will eventually be revealed.
She turned up with a surprise gift.	She arrived with a surprise gift.
Turn up the pressure to get results.	Increase the pressure.
New evidence turned up during the investigation.	New evidence was discovered.
He turned up looking tired and stressed.	He arrived looking tired and stressed.
Turn up the contrast to make the image clearer.	Increase the contrast.
A solution will turn up in time.	A solution will appear in time.
She turned up with all the necessary supplies.	She arrived with all the necessary supplies.
Turn up the excitement for the big event.	Increase the excitement.
He always turns up when you least expect it.	He always appears unexpectedly.
Turn up your efforts if you want to succeed.	Increase your efforts.
I hope my lost wallet turns up soon.	I hope my lost wallet is found soon.

Turn Down

“Turn down” means to reject an offer or request. It can also mean to decrease the volume or intensity of something.

The table provided includes multiple examples of how “Turn Down” can be used in different contexts:

Sentence	Meaning
They turned down our proposal.	They rejected our proposal.
Please turn down the music; it’s too loud.	Decrease the music volume.
She turned down the job offer.	She rejected the job offer.
Turn down the heat; it’s too hot in here.	Decrease the heat.
He turned down the opportunity to travel.	He rejected the opportunity to travel.
Turn down the lights to create a relaxing atmosphere.	Decrease the lights’ intensity.
The bank turned down our loan application.	The bank rejected our loan application.
Turn down the pressure on yourself.	Reduce the pressure on yourself.
She turned down his marriage proposal.	She rejected his marriage proposal.
Turn down the brightness on your screen at night.	Decrease the brightness.
They turned down our request for assistance.	They rejected our request for assistance.
Turn down your expectations to avoid disappointment.	Reduce your expectations.
She turned down the volume on her headphones.	She decreased the volume.
Turn down the intensity of the workout.	Reduce the intensity.
He turned down the invitation to the party.	He rejected the invitation.
Turn down the stress in your life.	Reduce the stress.
They turned down our offer to help.	They rejected our offer.
Turn down your anxieties and relax.	Reduce your anxieties.
She turned down the thermostat to save energy.	She decreased the thermostat setting.
Turn down the criticism and focus on the positive.	Reduce the criticism.
The company had to turn down many applications.	The company had to reject many applications.
Turn down the negativity around you.	Reduce the negativity.
He turned down the chance to speak at the conference.	He rejected the chance to speak at the conference.

Turn Into

“Turn into” means to transform or change into something different.

The following table includes various examples of using “Turn Into”:

Sentence	Meaning
The caterpillar turned into a butterfly.	The caterpillar transformed into a butterfly.
Rain turned into snow overnight.	Rain transformed into snow.
Our dream vacation turned into a nightmare.	Our dream vacation transformed into a nightmare.
The frog turned into a prince in the fairy tale.	The frog transformed into a prince.
The quiet student turned into a confident speaker.	The quiet student transformed into a confident speaker.
Water turns into ice at freezing temperatures.	Water transforms into ice.
Their friendship turned into a romantic relationship.	Their friendship transformed into a romantic relationship.
The empty lot turned into a beautiful park.	The empty lot transformed into a beautiful park.
She turned into a successful businesswoman.	She transformed into a successful businesswoman.
The small stream turned into a raging river.	The small stream transformed into a raging river.
He turned into a completely different person after the accident.	He transformed into a completely different person.
The old house turned into a modern apartment.	The old house transformed into a modern apartment.
Her hobby turned into a full-time job.	Her hobby transformed into a full-time job.
The situation turned into a crisis.	The situation transformed into a crisis.
The shy child turned into an outgoing teenager.	The shy child transformed into an outgoing teenager.
The simple idea turned into a complex project.	The simple idea transformed into a complex project.
The peaceful protest turned into a violent riot.	The peaceful protest transformed into a violent riot.
The caterpillar will eventually turn into a butterfly.	The caterpillar will eventually transform into a butterfly.
The apple turned into applesauce when cooked.	The apple transformed into applesauce.
The plain fabric turned into a beautiful dress.	The plain fabric transformed into a beautiful dress.
The apprentice turned into a master artisan.	The apprentice transformed into a master artisan.
The bad weather turned into a bright sunny day.	The bad weather transformed into a bright sunny day.
The small business turned into a large corporation.	The small business transformed into a large corporation.

Turn Out

“Turn out” has several meanings, including to extinguish (a light), to produce or manufacture, to attend an event, or to result in a particular way.

The following table includes various examples of using “Turn Out”:

Sentence	Meaning
Please turn out the lights before you leave.	Extinguish the lights.
A large crowd turned out for the concert.	A large crowd attended the concert.
The cake turned out perfectly.	The cake resulted perfectly.
The factory turns out thousands of products daily.	The factory produces thousands of products daily.
It turned out that I was wrong.	It resulted that I was wrong.
Turn out all the unnecessary lights to save energy.	Extinguish all the unnecessary lights.
A small group turned out for the meeting.	A small group attended the meeting.
The experiment turned out to be a success.	The experiment resulted to be a success.
The company turns out high-quality goods.	The company produces high-quality goods.
It turned out to be a beautiful day.	It resulted to be a beautiful day.
Turn out the gas stove when not in use.	Extinguish the gas stove.
Many people turned out to support the cause.	Many people attended to support the cause.
The project turned out better than expected.	The project resulted better than expected.
The bakery turns out fresh bread every morning.	The bakery produces fresh bread every morning.
It turned out that he had been lying all along.	It resulted that he had been lying all along.
Turn out the candles before leaving the room.	Extinguish the candles.
A huge crowd turned out to welcome the celebrity.	A huge crowd attended to welcome the celebrity.
The film turned out to be a box office hit.	The film resulted to be a box office hit.
The artist turns out unique sculptures.	The artist produces unique sculptures.
It turned out that she was the winner.	It resulted that she was the winner.
Turn out all electronic devices when lightning strikes.	Extinguish all electronic devices.
A small group turned out to clean the beach.	A small group attended to clean the beach.
The evidence turned out to be inconclusive.	The evidence resulted to be inconclusive.

Turn Over

“Turn over” means to flip something, transfer control, or consider something carefully.

The following table includes various examples of using “Turn Over”:

Sentence	Meaning
Turn over the page to continue reading.	Flip the page.
Turn over the business to your son.	Transfer control of the business.
Let’s turn over these ideas in our minds.	Consider these ideas carefully.
Turn over the steak to cook the other side.	Flip the steak.
The company turned over a large profit this year.	The company generated a large profit.
Turn over all your worries to God.	Give all your worries to God.
Turn over the pillow to find the cool side.	Flip the pillow.
They turned over the evidence to the police.	They handed over the evidence.
Turn over a new leaf and start fresh.	Begin a new and better chapter.
Turn over the soil before planting.	Flip the soil.
The detective turned over every stone to find the truth.	The detective investigated thoroughly.
Turn over the responsibility to the new manager.	Hand over the responsibility.
Turn over in your sleep if your back hurts.	Change your position in sleep.
The government turned over the land to the tribe.	The government handed over the land.
Turn over your thoughts before making a decision.	Consider your thoughts.
Turn over the pancakes to cook evenly.	Flip the pancakes.
The suspect turned himself over to the authorities.	The suspect surrendered himself.
Turn over your problems to someone who can help.	Hand over your problems.
Turn over in bed if you can’t sleep.	Change your position in bed.
The farmer turned over the soil with a plow.	The farmer flipped the soil.
Turn over the project to a more experienced team.	Hand over the project.
He turned over the idea in his mind for weeks.	He considered the idea.
Turn over the fish carefully to avoid breaking it.	Flip the fish carefully.

Turn Around

“Turn around” means to change direction, improve a situation, or reverse a negative trend.

The following table includes various examples of using “Turn Around”:

Sentence	Meaning
Turn around; you’re going the wrong way.	Change direction.
The company needs to turn around its performance.	Improve its performance.
He turned around and walked away.	He changed direction and walked away.
We need to turn around the negative publicity.	Reverse the negative publicity.
Turn around and face the audience.	Change direction and face the audience.
The new management turned around the failing business.	The new management improved the failing business.
Turn around to see the beautiful view.	Change direction to see the beautiful view.
The team needs to turn around its losing streak.	The team needs to reverse its losing streak.
Turn around and give me a smile.	Change direction and give me a smile.
The economy is starting to turn around.	The economy is starting to improve.
Turn around so I can see your back.	Change direction.
The coach helped to turn around the team’s morale.	The coach helped to improve the team’s morale.
Turn around slowly and show me your outfit.	Change direction slowly.
The politician promised to turn around the city’s problems.	The politician promised to improve the city’s problems.
Turn around and wave goodbye.	Change direction and wave goodbye.
The new strategy turned around the company’s fortunes.	The new strategy improved the company’s fortunes.
Turn around to see who’s calling you.	Change direction to see who’s calling you.
The doctor helped him turn around his health.	The doctor helped him improve his health.
Turn around and look at the stars.	Change direction and look at the stars.
The new policy is designed to turn around the education system.	The new policy is designed to improve the education system.
Turn around to face the music!	Change direction to face the music.
The innovative technology helped turn around the production process.	The innovative technology helped improve the production process.
Turn around and take a bow.	Change direction and take a bow.

Usage Rules

The usage of phrasal verbs with “turn” follows specific rules related to transitivity, separability, and context. Understanding these rules is crucial for using them correctly in your writing and speech.

• Transitivity: As mentioned earlier, some phrasal verbs with “turn” are transitive (take an object), while others are intransitive (do not take an object). Always check the transitivity of the phrasal verb before using it in a sentence.
• Separability: Many transitive phrasal verbs with “turn” are separable. This means that the object can be placed between the verb and the particle. However, if the object is a pronoun, it *must* be placed between the verb and the particle. For example: “Turn the light on” or “Turn on the light,” but “Turn it on” (not “Turn on it”).
• Context: The meaning of a phrasal verb can vary depending on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation to determine the intended meaning.
• Tense: The verb “turn” can be conjugated into different tenses, just like any other verb. Make sure to use the correct tense to match the time frame of the sentence.

It is also important to note that some phrasal verbs with “turn” are more formal than others. For example, “reject” might be preferred over “turn down” in a formal setting.

Common Mistakes

Learners often make mistakes when using phrasal verbs with “turn.” Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
He turned on it.	He turned it on.	Pronouns must go between the verb and the particle in separable phrasal verbs.
The meeting turned out good.	The meeting turned out well.	“Well” is an adverb modifying “turned out.”
She turned down it.	She turned it down.	Pronouns must go between the verb and the particle in separable phrasal verbs.
He didn’t turn for the party up.	He didn’t turn up for the party.	The particle must stay with the verb in intransitive phrasal verbs.
Turn off the light me.	Turn the light off / Turn it off.	The object should be placed correctly when using separable phrasal verbs.

Another common mistake is using the wrong particle, which completely changes the meaning of the phrasal verb. For example, using “turn up” when you mean “turn on.”

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of phrasal verbs with “turn,” try these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb using “turn.”

Rewrite the following sentences using a phrasal verb with “turn” that has the same meaning:

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, there are more nuanced aspects of phrasal verbs with “turn” to explore. These include:

• Idiomatic Expressions: Some phrasal verbs with “turn” have highly idiomatic meanings that are not immediately obvious. For example, “turn a blind eye” means to ignore something intentionally.
• Regional Variations: The usage of certain phrasal verbs can vary by region. Be aware of these variations when communicating with people from different English-speaking countries.
• Figurative Language: Phrasal verbs are often used in figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, to add depth and imagery to writing.

Further research into these areas will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the complexities of phrasal verbs with “turn.”

FAQ

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs with “turn” is an ongoing process, but with consistent effort and practice, you can significantly improve your English fluency and comprehension. Remember to pay attention to transitivity, separability, and context, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they are a natural part of the learning process.

By incorporating these expressions into your vocabulary, you’ll be well on your way to communicating more effectively and confidently in English.