VOCABULARY BOOST: TURN

The next word in our vocabulary boost series is TURN. TURN is a high frequency verb that can be used as a synonym of change, become, convert or move. There are numerous collocations and phrasal verbs that are formed using TURN.

As recommended in our START method (HERE), you should always learn vocabulary as a short phrase and relate new words to synonyms and use them. Click (HERE) and (HERE) for advice on how to learn more vocabulary and HERE for an example of a great strategy to learn new words.

 

Collocations:

To learn new collocations and word patterns you should create phrases using them and also do exercises (HERE)

Turn the wheel

Turn the page

Turn the handle

Turn the corner

Turn into an opportunity

The tide turns – a shift in power

Turn in circles

Turn something into a success

Turn over a new leaf – start a new chapter in

Turn into a nightmare

As it turned out – in the end

Take the first/second/third turning on the right/left

Turn out to be a hit – be successful

Turn in one´s grave – dislike something

Turn the tables on someone – have a change in power or influence

 

Phrasal verbs:

The learning of phrasal verbs is best done using this method (HERE)

Turn up – arrive

They turned up late to the meeting

Turn around – change direction

If you get lost you should just turn around and go home

Turn into – become

The class is turning into a real problem because of their bad behaviour

Turn over – change the page

Turn over the page and go the next exercise please

Turn on – put on

I usually turn on the lights as soon as I get up

Turn off – put off

Remember to turn off the computer when you are done

Turn down – reject

I turned down the job offer because the salary was so low

Turn in – go to bed

The kids ought to turn in at about 9pm

Turn in – give to someone

The tutor says that we should turn in our assignments before March 8^th

Turn on – attack

The tiger turned on its keeper

Turn up – increase the volume

Turn up the music please! I love this song

Turn out – end up (ing)

The exhibition turned out to be a real success

 

DOWNLOAD THIS POST IN PDF HERE

 

To learn how to use TURN you need to practice and put these words and collocations into your own words to be able to remember them.