10 Phrasal Verbs with "Turn" You Need to Know
Jan 15, 2025
Phrasal verbs can be tricky, especially when a single verb like turn can combine with different words to create entirely new meanings. Whether you're learning English or looking to spice up your vocabulary, mastering phrasal verbs with turn is a great way to sound more natural and fluent.
Let’s dive into 10 common phrasal verbs with turn, complete with examples to help you use them like a pro!
1. Turn On
Meaning: To activate or switch something on.
Example: Could you turn on the lights? It’s getting dark in here.
You’ll hear this one a lot when it comes to appliances, lights, or electronics.
2. Turn Off
Meaning: To deactivate or switch something off.
Example: Don’t forget to turn off the stove before leaving the kitchen.
This is the opposite of turn on and just as essential in everyday conversations.
3. Turn Up
Meaning 1: To increase the volume or intensity.
Example: Can you turn up the music? I love this song!
Meaning 2: To appear unexpectedly or arrive.
Example: She didn’t turn up at the party last night.
This phrasal verb is versatile and can be used in different contexts, so pay attention to the situation!
4. Turn Down
Meaning 1: To reduce the volume or intensity.
Example: Could you turn down the TV? It’s too loud.
Meaning 2: To reject an offer or request.
Example: I can’t believe he turned down the job offer—it was perfect for him!
Another dual-purpose verb that’s useful in conversations about sound or decisions.
5. Turn Around
Meaning: To change direction or improve something.
Example: If you miss the exit, you’ll have to turn around and go back.
You’ll also hear this in business contexts, like when a company “turns around” its performance.
6. Turn Into
Meaning: To transform or become something else.
Example: Over time, the small bookstore turned into a bustling café.
This is a great verb to describe change, whether it’s physical or metaphorical.
7. Turn Out
Meaning 1: To result in a certain way.
Example: The weather turned out to be better than we expected.
Meaning 2: To attend or show up.
Example: A large crowd turned out for the charity event.
This one is handy for talking about outcomes or gatherings.
8. Turn Over
Meaning 1: To give control or responsibility to someone else.
Example: She turned over the project to her assistant.
Meaning 2: To flip something to the other side.
Example: Turn over the pancake to cook the other side.
You’ll hear this in both professional and everyday contexts.
9. Turn Away
Meaning: To refuse entry or reject someone.
Example: They had to turn away people at the door because the event was full.
This phrasal verb is often used in situations involving rules or limited space.
10. Turn Up For
Meaning: To make an effort to show up or support someone.
Example: I’m so glad you turned up for my performance—it meant a lot to me!
This one emphasizes the importance of being there for someone or something.
Final Thoughts
Phrasal verbs can seem overwhelming, but they’re essential for mastering English. By learning common ones like these with turn, you’ll not only improve your understanding but also sound more like a native speaker.
