TURN TO

📖 Definition

To rely on something for help or support. It often implies seeking assistance, guidance, or solace from a particular person, source, or activity.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To rely on something for help or support. It often implies seeking assistance, guidance, or solace from a particular person, source, or activity.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The phrasal verb 'turn to' cannot be split by the object.
Register
Neutral
Used in both formal and informal contexts without change in meaning.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object. You turn to something or someone.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple turn to She often turns to her grandmother for advice.
Past Simple turned to He turned to painting after the accident.
Present Continuous turning to They are turning to local experts for guidance.
Present Perfect have turned to We have turned to technology to solve our issues.

💡 When to Use

Seeking advice or guidance
When you need advice or guidance, you can turn to a trusted person or source for help.
Example: "He turns to his mentor when facing difficult choices."
Finding comfort or support
In challenging times, people often turn to comforting activities or loved ones for emotional support.
Example: "She turned to music to get through tough days."
Exploring new interests
When looking to learn something new, people might turn to different hobbies to expand their skills.
Example: "After retiring, he turned to gardening."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using intransitively
❌ Wrong: She always turns to when she's upset.
✅ Correct: She always turns to her diary when she's upset.
💡 Tip: Remember to always include the object you're turning to.
Incorrect separation
❌ Wrong: She turns quickly to it for answers.
✅ Correct: She quickly turns to it for answers.
💡 Tip: The phrase should not be split by adverbs.
Using in the wrong context
❌ Wrong: He turned to the door when he left.
✅ Correct: He turned to his friend for advice when he left.
💡 Tip: Ensure 'turn to' is used for seeking help or guidance.
Practice

TURN TO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

rely on consult

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"In challenging moments, many people ___ their faith."

on
turn to
into
under

"In times of uncertainty, wise souls turn to inner strength, finding solace in courage, and steering lives towards meaningful pursuits."

In Context

During the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci often turned to his artistic pursuits when facing complex engineering challenges. Born in 1452, Leonardo's insatiable curiosity made him turn to various subjects, from anatomy to hydrodynamics. One notable instance was in 1495 when he turned to creating The Last Supper in Milan. This period of his life was marred by intense scrutiny and political upheaval in Italy. Leonardo, nonetheless, used the city’s chaos and his own personal strife as a backdrop that fueled his creativity. When artistic inspiration seemed elusive, Leonardo turned to his extensive notebooks filled with ideas and sketches, a practice that served as a wellspring of innovation for his fresco. These notebooks contained detailed studies of light, structure, and human anatomy, which he used to breathe life into his figures, making them more expressive and realistic. Despite the challenges he faced, his ability to turn to different disciplines seamlessly was demonstrated in every brushstroke. As the painting neared completion in 1498, Leonardo turned to detailed finishing touches, capturing the emotional gravity of the biblical moment he depicted. His multidisciplinary approach set a precedent that influenced artists and inventors for centuries. It was this remarkable ability to turn to diverse sources of knowledge that cemented Leonardo's legacy as a true Renaissance man.

Frequently Asked Questions about Turn To

What is the origin of turn to?

+
The phrase 'turn to' dates back to Middle English, originating from the Old English 'turnian.' Its use in literature, such as in Shakespeare's works, has solidified its current usage implying the reliance on someone or something.

Can turn to be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'turn to' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both spoken and written communication when referring to seeking help or guidance.

What is the difference between turn to and rely on?

+
While 'turn to' implies actively seeking help or guidance from a specific source, 'rely on' suggests a habitual or established dependence. 'Turn to' is often used for specific situations, whereas 'rely on' indicates a more ongoing relationship.
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Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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