turn
turn — verb
1. To go around a centre point in a full circle, or to make an object go around lik
To go around a centre point in a full circle, or to make an object go around like this — for example, a wheel turning or someone turning a handle.
The Earth turns on its axis once every twenty-four hours.
intransitive: turn on + [axis]
Mira turned the handle slowly and pushed the old wooden door open.
transitive: turn + [object] to operate
The ceiling fan turned faster as the afternoon grew hotter.
Felix turned the key in the lock and heard a quiet click.
文法句型
turn + (around/on) [axis or central point]
turn + [object] + (around/on [point])
用法筆記
The subject is often a wheel, handle, key, planet, or machine part. When transitive, the object is the thing you rotate.
常見錯誤
2. to move your body or part of your body so that it faces a different direction, o
to move your body or part of your body so that it faces a different direction, often by rotating in place.
Diya turned around when she heard someone call her name from behind.
turn around: rotate body to face the opposite direction
The dancers turned gracefully in time with the music during the performance.
Christopher turned his head to get a better view of the painting on the wall.
The gymnast turned three times on the balance beam before landing perfectly.
文法句型
turn + [body part]
turn + [reflexive] + around/round
用法筆記
Common with 'around' or 'round' to imply a full or partial rotation of the body. Frequent reflexive pattern: 'turn yourself around'.
3. To go or face a new way instead of continuing in the same direction — for instan
To go or face a new way instead of continuing in the same direction — for instance, turning your car left onto a side street or turning your body to look behind you.
Turn left at the traffic lights and the post office will be on your right.
imperative: turn + [direction] + at [landmark]
The narrow path turns sharply after the big oak tree near the river.
intransitive: path/road + turns + [adverb]
Dewi turned the bicycle onto a quiet street to avoid the heavy traffic.
The driver turned the van around when he realised the bridge was closed.
Yasmin turned her face towards the window to feel the warm sunlight.
- change direction
more explicit and formal; used when clarity is needed
- veer
implies a sudden or uncontrolled change of direction
- swerve
suggests a quick movement to avoid something
- go straight
continuing in the same direction without turning
文法句型
turn + [direction] (left/right/back)
turn + into/onto [road/street]
turn + [vehicle/thing] + [direction]
用法筆記
This is the most common everyday sense of 'turn'. Often used with direction words (left, right, back, around) and prepositions like 'into' and 'onto'.
常見錯誤
4. In cricket, when the ball bounces off the ground and changes direction sharply i
In cricket, when the ball bounces off the ground and changes direction sharply instead of travelling in a straight line.
The ball turned sharply off the pitch and surprised the batsman completely.
cricket-specific: ball + turns + off [surface]
Spinners spend years practising to make the ball turn more effectively on dry pitches.
The bowler was delighted to see the ball turn away from the batsman's bat.
On dry pitches the ball tends to turn more in the afternoon.
- spin
a related but distinct term: 'spin' describes how the bowler makes the ball turn
文法句型
ball + turns + (sharply/suddenly/away from)
用法筆記
This sense is specific to cricket. The subject is always a ball, and the context is almost always about spin bowling.
5. To reposition something like a page, a piece of food, or a card so the underside
To reposition something like a page, a piece of food, or a card so the underside faces up, or to be repositioned like this.
Eric turned the page and continued reading the next chapter of the book.
turn the page: common collocation for reading
The chef turned the steak with a pair of metal tongs to cook it evenly.
Ignacio turned the hourglass upside down and watched the fine sand run through.
Xiu turns the soil in her garden every spring before planting new seeds.
The mattress should be turned over once a month to keep it in good shape.
文法句型
turn + [object] + over/around/upside down
turn + the page
用法筆記
Very common with page, mattress, card, soil, or food being cooked. The particle 'over' or 'around' often follows to make the action explicit.
6. to change from one state, quality, or form into another, such as when leaves cha
to change from one state, quality, or form into another, such as when leaves change colour in autumn or when milk goes sour.
The leaves turn bright orange and red when autumn arrives each year.
linking verb: turn + [colour adjective]
The milk turned sour because the children forgot to put it back in the fridge.
turn + [adjective describing unwanted state]
Stephanie's face turned pale when she heard the frightening news about the accident.
What started as a friendly debate turned into a heated argument between the colleagues.
- become
more general and neutral; 'turn' often implies a more noticeable or dramatic change
- change into
more explicit about the transformation; used with nouns
- go
informal, used with negative states only: go bad, go mad, go wrong
文法句型
turn + [adjective]
turn + into + [noun]
turn + [noun]
用法筆記
This is a linking verb (copular) sense, similar to 'become'. It is followed by an adjective (turn cold, turn red) or 'into' + noun (turn into a monster). Do not confuse with sense 5 (FLIP OVER) which is about physical position rather than change of state.
常見錯誤
7. to reach a particular age, especially a round-number birthday such as twenty, th
to reach a particular age, especially a round-number birthday such as twenty, thirty, or forty
Allison turned thirty last week and celebrated with a party at her favourite restaurant.
turn + age for milestone birthday
Christopher will turn eighteen just before the summer trip with his classmates.
Élise turned sixty-five in the spring and finally retired from teaching at the local school.
Walid turned forty-two last March and decided to start running every morning.
文法句型
turn + number (age)
用法筆記
Subject is always a person, and the age is always a specific number. Do not add 'years old' after the number.
常見錯誤
8. to reach or pass a particular time of day or night
to reach or pass a particular time of day or night
It had just turned midnight when the power went out across the whole street.
it + turn + time for clock time
Ilan promised to be home before it turned ten, but he arrived much later.
By the time it turned three in the afternoon, the library was almost completely empty.
It turned eleven o'clock, and the children still had not finished their homework.
文法句型
it + turn + time
用法筆記
Subject is almost always 'it' (dummy subject). This sense does not take an article before the time — 'it turned midnight', not 'it turned the midnight'.
常見錯誤
9. to move a switch, button, or handle on a device to change what it produces, for
to move a switch, button, or handle on a device to change what it produces, for example starting or stopping it or making it stronger or weaker
Beatrix turned the tap and filled the kettle with cold water for tea.
turn + [noun] + to operate a device
Rania turned the radio up when her favourite song came on.
turn + [noun] + up/down for volume
Kenji turned the heating off before leaving the house for the weekend.
Sahil turned the lights down low so the room felt cosy and warm.
文法句型
turn + noun + on/off/up/down
用法筆記
Commonly used with on/off/up/down to indicate direction of change. The object can be any device with a control: light, radio, television, tap, oven, heating, etc.
常見錯誤
❌ 'Turn on the light, please.' — (actually correct!) Just ensure the object is placed correctly: 'Turn on the light' and 'Turn the light on' are both fine with separable phrasal verbs.
10. to injure a muscle in your foot or ankle by twisting it suddenly or in an awkwar
to injure a muscle in your foot or ankle by twisting it suddenly or in an awkward way, causing pain and swelling
Minh turned his ankle running down the stairs and had to sit for a while.
turn + possessive + ankle for injury
Sofia turned her foot on a loose stone at the park and limped home.
Femi turned his ankle during the football match and could not finish the game.
The goalkeeper turned his ankle diving for the ball and had to leave the match.
文法句型
turn + possessive + ankle/foot
用法筆記
The object is almost always 'ankle' or 'foot'. The passive form ('His ankle was turned') is much less common than the active form with a possessive.
常見錯誤
11. to use a lathe to make wooden objects by cutting and smoothing them as they spin
to use a lathe to make wooden objects by cutting and smoothing them as they spin rapidly
Minh turned a wooden bowl on his lathe as a birthday gift for his mother.
turn + [object] + on a lathe for woodworking
The craftsman turned four table legs from a single block of oak in one afternoon.
Students in the class learned how to turn a simple candle holder from maple wood.
The old carpenter turned the wood slowly while his apprentice watched every movement.
文法句型
turn + noun + on a lathe
用法筆記
This sense belongs to woodworking and is uncommon in everyday conversation. The object can be the material (wood, oak) or the finished item (bowl, leg).
turn — noun
1. the moment when it is someone's chance or responsibility to do something because
the moment when it is someone's chance or responsibility to do something because others have already done it or will do it later, following a planned order
It was Ramón's turn to wash the dishes after dinner.
possessive + turn + to-infinitive
Whose turn is it to read the next chapter aloud?
Whose turn + to-infinitive — asking about order
Niran's turn to present the project came earlier than expected.
The children waited calmly for their turn on the climbing frame.
If you miss your turn, you have to wait until the end of the round.
文法句型
it is [possessive/determiner] turn + to-infinitive
whose turn is it + to-infinitive
用法筆記
"It is [someone's] turn" is always followed by to-infinitive, not "for" + noun. The expression is usually singular: "take a turn" means one chance; "have turns" is non-standard.
常見錯誤
2. used in the fixed expression "take turns" (or "take it in turns") when each pers
used in the fixed expression "take turns" (or "take it in turns") when each person in a group does the same activity in succession, alternating responsibility
Kenji and his sister took turns pushing each other on the swing.
take turns + -ing form
The two drivers took turns driving through the narrow mountain pass.
Maeve's parents take turns walking the dog every morning.
We take turns choosing which film to watch on Friday evenings.
The nurses took turns checking on the patient through the night.
文法句型
take turns + -ing form
take turns + at/in + noun
用法筆記
"Take turns" is always plural — never "take turn". The -ing form follows directly: "take turns doing something". British English also uses "take it in turns to do something".
常見錯誤
3. used in the fixed phrase "in turn" to mean each person or thing in a group follo
used in the fixed phrase "in turn" to mean each person or thing in a group follows the previous one in a planned order, without anyone being skipped
Each student stood up in turn and introduced themselves to the class.
in turn — sequence marker, one after another
The doctor asked each patient in turn about their sleep habits.
The three judges gave their scores in turn after the performance.
All candidates entered the room in turn and sat at the long table.
- one by one
more informal, emphasises the individual action
- in sequence
more technical, used in formal or procedural contexts
文法句型
in turn — used as adverbial phrase
用法筆記
"In turn" is an adverbial phrase placed after the verb or at the end of a clause. It differs from "by turns" (alternating) and "in return" (as a response). Do not confuse with "in turn" meaning 'as a result' (a different, formal usage).
常見錯誤
4. not following the correct or agreed order in a group situation, especially by sp
not following the correct or agreed order in a group situation, especially by speaking when it is not your turn according to the rules or social expectations
The teacher told the boy he was speaking out of turn.
speak out of turn — most common use
Sana realised she had answered out of turn when the others stared at her.
Please do not speak out of turn during the town hall meeting.
The student apologised for laughing out of turn during the ceremony.
- prematurely
more formal, not limited to group-order contexts
- inappropriately
broader meaning, not specific to turn-taking
- in turn
following the correct order
文法句型
speak out of turn
act out of turn
用法筆記
Almost always used with the verb "speak". The phrase can also extend metaphorically to mean 'saying something inappropriate or revealing information you should not have shared.'
常見錯誤
5. a complete circular movement of something around a fixed central point, such as
a complete circular movement of something around a fixed central point, such as a wheel turning or a person spinning around
The Earth makes one complete turn on its axis every twenty-four hours.
complete turn on its axis — full rotation
Give the handle another turn to lock the door securely.
give [something] a turn — one rotation of a handle
With each turn of the wheel, the cart moved forward a small distance.
Feng gave the key a firm turn and heard the lock click open.
文法句型
a turn of [something]
give [something] a turn
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 6 (CHANGE IN DIRECTION): this sense describes a full rotation around a central point, not a change of path. "A turn of the screw" and "a turn of the wheel" are common mechanical collocations.
6. a movement that changes the direction you are travelling or facing, especially w
a movement that changes the direction you are travelling or facing, especially when walking, driving, or giving directions — for example, turning left or right at a street corner
The car made a sudden turn to avoid hitting a deer on the road.
make a sudden turn
Take the second turn on your left after the red brick church.
take the [ordinal] turn — giving directions
Valentina made a sharp turn and ran back towards the house.
The driver did not signal before making a turn at the traffic lights.
A wrong turn left Hamza and Lisa lost in the old part of the city.
- straight on
continuing without changing direction
文法句型
make a turn
take a turn
[adjective] turn
用法筆記
Frequently used in giving directions: "take the first / second turn". "Make a turn" is the most general verb collocation. "Sharp turn" and "sudden turn" describe the angle or speed of the change.
常見錯誤
7. the moment or process when a vehicle, ship, or other moving thing begins to head
the moment or process when a vehicle, ship, or other moving thing begins to head towards a new direction
The captain felt the ship begin its slow turn towards the open sea.
possessive + turn (the ship's turn / its turn)
As the car reached the junction, its turn to the left was slow and careful.
Ziad watched the plane make a gentle turn toward the runway below.
The cyclist's sudden turn into the side street startled the driver behind her.
- straight line
movement without any change in direction
用法筆記
Often appears in the phrase 'on the turn', meaning that something has just started to change direction. The focus is on the beginning of the change, not the completed result.
常見錯誤
8. a point or period when a situation, a person's health, or events start to improv
a point or period when a situation, a person's health, or events start to improve or get worse after being stable
After the rain stopped, the weather took a turn for the better.
fixed phrase: take a turn for the better / worse
Nikhil's health took an unexpected turn, and he stayed in hospital for a week.
The meeting took a difficult turn when the manager announced the job cuts.
Élise felt that things were on the turn when her business finally made a profit.
- stability
the state of staying the same, without any turn
用法筆記
Nearly always in the fixed phrase 'take a turn for the better/worse' or 'take a [adjective] turn'. The adjective describes the direction of change (difficult, unexpected, dramatic, serious).
常見錯誤
9. the stage at which food or drink such as milk, fruit, fish, or cream begins to d
the stage at which food or drink such as milk, fruit, fish, or cream begins to decay and is no longer fresh enough to eat or drink
Felix poured the milk down the sink because it was on the turn.
fixed phrase: on the turn (for food decay)
The strawberries were already on the turn, so Ayana used them in a cake.
If the fish smells sour, it is on the turn and should not be eaten.
The cream started to go on the turn after sitting out of the fridge.
- going off
a more general British term for food becoming unfit to eat
- going sour
specifically for milk or dairy products
- fresh
food or drink that is still in good condition
用法筆記
This sense is used almost exclusively in the fixed phrase 'on the turn', which is more common in British English. It signals the early stage of decay, not completely rotten food.
10. a place where a road, river, path, or similar route bends and continues in a new
a place where a road, river, path, or similar route bends and continues in a new direction
The driver slowed down as she approached a sharp turn in the mountain road.
collocation: sharp turn
Talia and Hao walked beside the river until they reached a turn in the water.
There is a dangerous turn just past the old bridge where many accidents happen.
The path takes a sudden turn to the right behind the big oak tree.
- straight
a section of road or path with no bend
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 6 (CHANGE IN DIRECTION), which is the action of changing direction. Sense 10 refers to the physical place where the route changes — the bend itself, not the act of turning.
常見錯誤
11. the moment during a golf match when players finish holes one through nine and pr
the moment during a golf match when players finish holes one through nine and prepare to play the remaining nine
After the turn, Esteban felt more confident and played better on the back nine.
golf terminology: the turn / front nine / back nine
The players stopped for a drink at the turn before continuing the round.
Lisa scored three under par on the front nine and was leading at the turn.
The coach met Tendai at the turn to give advice for the remaining holes.
- halfway point
a general term for the midpoint of any activity
用法筆記
This sense is specific to golf. The 'turn' is not a physical location on the course but rather the transition between the first and second halves of the round. Related terms are 'front nine' (holes 1-9) and 'back nine' (holes 10-18).
常見錯誤
12. an unexpected direction or development in the way events, a conversation, or a s
an unexpected direction or development in the way events, a conversation, or a story unfolds
The investigation took an unexpected turn when a new witness came forward.
fixed phrase: take an unexpected / surprising / dramatic turn
Sirin's career took a surprising turn when she was offered a job in Tokyo.
The conversation took a serious turn when they started discussing family matters.
Events took a dramatic turn when the president announced her resignation live on television.
- development
a more neutral term for any new event or change
- twist
suggests a surprising or clever change, especially in stories
- shift
a gradual or subtle change, less dramatic than a turn
- continuation
events staying on the same course without change
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 8 (TAKE A TURN). Sense 8 focuses on improvement or decline (better/worse), while sense 12 focuses on the nature or character of the development, often with an adjective describing the type of change (unexpected, surprising, dramatic, serious).
常見錯誤
13. a sudden, dramatic reversal in the way events or a person's fortune unfold, comp
a sudden, dramatic reversal in the way events or a person's fortune unfold, completely changing the expected outcome.
Liam's luck took a dramatic turn after finding a rare stamp in an old book.
collocation: take a + adjective + turn
In a strange turn of events, the lost wallet was returned by a stranger.
collocation: turn of events
After the rain stopped, the game took a turn for the better.
The family's fortunes took a dramatic turn when the factory closed down.
- shift
less dramatic than a turn; suggests a gradual change rather than sudden
- change of direction
more literal; turn is the idiomatic choice for situations
文法句型
a turn of events
take a turn for the better/worse
用法筆記
Commonly paired with take + adjective + turn (for the better/worse) or in phrases like turn of events. The adjective is essential to convey the direction of change.
常見錯誤
14. A short performance given by one person or group as part of a show that includes
A short performance given by one person or group as part of a show that includes several different acts.
The comedian's turn at the club had everyone laughing until their sides hurt.
possessive noun + turn = someone's performance
Each singer performed a short turn before the main act began at eight.
Élise's song-and-dance turn earned her a standing ovation from the crowd.
The juggler's turn amazed the children with its speed and bright colours.
用法筆記
Typically used for variety-show or cabaret-style acts. Not used for full-length plays or concerts. Often preceded by a possessive noun or adjective (my turn, her turn, the comedian's turn).
15. A short period during which someone experiences physical discomfort, such as fee
A short period during which someone experiences physical discomfort, such as feeling dizzy, sick, or suddenly very nervous or frightened.
Grandma had a dizzy turn and had to sit down on the garden bench.
adjective + turn = type of discomfort
The bad news gave Reema quite a turn, and her face went pale.
give [sb] a turn = shock or frighten
After standing in the hot sun too long, Sari felt a strange turn of faintness.
The doctor said it was just a mild turn of nerves and nothing serious.
用法筆記
Common in British English. The phrase 'give someone a turn' means to shock or frighten someone. The sense can refer to physical illness, emotional shock, or dizziness.
16. A musical ornament notated by a curled symbol placed over a written note, where
A musical ornament notated by a curled symbol placed over a written note, where the performer plays the main note together with its upper and lower neighbour notes in rapid succession.
The pianist played the turn so fast that the notes seemed to blend together.
The violinist added a turn at the end of the phrase for extra expression.
add/play a turn = perform the ornament
The music teacher showed Leo how to write a turn symbol above the quarter note.
In Baroque music, a turn often decorates a long note in a slow piece.
- ornament
broader category of decorative notes; a turn is one type of ornament
- appoggiatura
a different type of ornament that leans on a note rather than circling around it
用法筆記
A specialized term in music theory and performance. The symbol resembles a sideways 'S' or an infinity sign placed above the staff. An inverted turn plays the lower note first.