Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Exploring the Phrasal Verb 'Turn Around'

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'turn around' means to change something into a more favorable state. It often implies a reversal or improvement in condition or direction.

Examples in context

The manager turned around the failing project in just six months.
After years of decline, the school finally turned around its academic performance.
The new marketing strategy helped turn around the brand's image overnight.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'turn around' means to change something into a more favorable state. It often implies a reversal or improvement in condition or direction.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can be placed between 'turn' and 'around.'

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	turn around	They need to turn around the situation quickly.
Past Simple	turned around	He turned around his failing business within a year.
Present Continuous	turning around	She is turning around the company's declining sales.
Present Perfect	have turned around	They have turned around their financial difficulties effectively.

💡 When to Use

Business recovery

Use when discussing efforts to improve business or economic conditions from poor to prosperous.

Example: "The CEO plans to turn around the company's declining profits."

Personal life changes

Helpful when describing someone's effort to improve their life or circumstances significantly.

Example: "After months of hard work, she managed to turn around her life."

Sports

Applied in sports when a team or player improves their performance significantly during a game or season.

Example: "The team turned around their losing streak after hiring a new coach."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect placement of object

❌ Wrong: She turned the company's declining sales around.

✅ Correct: She turned around the company's declining sales.

💡 Tip: Remember to place the object after 'turn around'.

Incorrect verb form

❌ Wrong: They turn arounded the situation quickly.

✅ Correct: They turned around the situation quickly.

💡 Tip: Use 'turned around' for past tense.

Confusing 'turn around' with 'turn over'

❌ Wrong: He turns over the project efficiently.

✅ Correct: He turns around the project efficiently.

💡 Tip: Turn around implies improvement, not just handling.

Practice

TURN AROUND - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

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

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The manager turned around the failing project in just six months.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

After years of decline, the school finally turned around its academic performance.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The new marketing strategy helped turn around the brand's image overnight.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

revitalize reform

Antonyms

deteriorate

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"It took her a year to _____ her career after the setback."

turn over

turn around

turn in

turn up

"To turn around one's fortune requires not just effort but also a shift in perspective and approach to life’s challenges."

In Context

In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt faced a nation in economic despair. With the Great Depression at its peak, millions of Americans were unemployed, banks were failing, and industries were collapsing. Recognizing the urgent need for action, Roosevelt immediately began to turn around the nation’s economy upon taking office. By launching the New Deal, he aimed to turn around public confidence and stabilize the financial system. His fireside chats became a fixture for millions, reassuring citizens that they too could turn around their lives with collective effort and resolve. The Civilian Conservation Corps, Public Works Administration, and other agencies were quickly established to provide jobs and stimulate recovery. In 1935, the Social Security Act was passed, creating a safety net for the elderly and unemployed. This turning point marked a significant shift in American social policy. Through these efforts, Roosevelt managed to turn around not only the economic despair but also the national spirit. By the end of the 1930s, while challenges remained, the foundations laid by Roosevelt’s administration were instrumental in the eventual economic recovery seen during the war years. Thus, Roosevelt’s ability to turn around the country’s fortunes remains a testament to visionary leadership during one of America’s most challenging periods.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Turn Around

What is the origin of turn around?

The phrasal verb 'turn around' originated from nautical terminology, where turning a ship around was a common maneuver. Over time, it evolved to imply changing directions or conditions, especially in metaphorical contexts where improvement is needed.

Can turn around be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'turn around' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In business, it often describes a strategic improvement, while in informal settings, it might refer to personal circumstances changing positively.

What is the difference between turn around and revitalize?

While 'turn around' and 'revitalize' are synonyms, 'turn around' implies a shift towards improvement, whereas 'revitalize' suggests bringing new life or energy to something. 'Turn around' is more commonly used in business contexts.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

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

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

TURN AROUND - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Turn Around

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega