TURN OFF

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'turn off' means to deactivate or switch something from an active or functional state to an inactive one, often using a control mechanism. It is commonly used for appliances, lights, machines, or any electrical devices. Additionally, it can mean causing someone to lose interest or become disenchanted.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'turn off' means to deactivate or switch something from an active or functional state to an inactive one, often using a control mechanism. It is commonly used for appliances, lights, machines, or any electrical devices. Additionally, it can mean causing someone to lose interest or become disenchanted.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The object can come between the verb and the particle.
Register
Neutral
Commonly used in both informal and formal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object, something that gets deactivated or uninterested.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple turn off Please turn off the lights before you leave.
Past Simple turned off She turned off the computer when she finished her work.
Present Continuous turning off He is turning off the TV as we speak.
Present Perfect have turned off They have turned off all the lights for the night.

💡 When to Use

Deactivating electronic devices
Use when referring to switching off electronic appliances or lights using their controls.
Example: "I always turn off my phone during meetings."
Losing interest or enthusiasm
Use when describing someone's attraction or interest diminishing significantly due to specific reasons.
Example: "His rude behavior really turned me off."
Ending an operation or process
Utilize when speaking of terminating a process, system, or service through its controls.
Example: "They turned off the water supply during repairs."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong particle usage
❌ Wrong: She turns on the light instead.
✅ Correct: She turns off the light instead.
💡 Tip: Remember 'off' is for deactivating.
Incorrect placement of object
❌ Wrong: Turn the light off it.
✅ Correct: Turn off the light.
💡 Tip: Place the object between verb and particle or after.
Using intransitively
❌ Wrong: I turned off.
✅ Correct: I turned off the TV.
💡 Tip: Always include an object that is turned off.
Practice

TURN OFF - 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

switch off deactivate

Antonyms

turn on

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Before leaving, remember to ___ the lights."

turn in
turn off
turn up
turn out

"Turning off distractions clears the mind, creating space for insight and focusing on what truly matters in one's life journey."

In Context

In 1879, Thomas Edison successfully invented the practical electric light bulb, revolutionizing how people lived and worked. Before this invention, people relied heavily on gas lamps to illuminate their homes and streets. This dependence on gas lighting often led to accidents and was quite expensive. Edison's invention allowed people to turn off the dangerous and costly gas lights, offering a safer and more efficient alternative. The invention of the electric bulb was not without its challenges. Edison faced numerous setbacks, experimenting tirelessly with thousands of different filament materials to create a long-lasting and affordable solution. His perseverance eventually paid off when he discovered a practical way to use carbonized bamboo as a filament. This triumph enabled cities eventually to turn off their dependence on gas lighting in favor of electricity. Edison's success brought about an era of industrial and technological growth, and his innovative spirit continues to inspire inventors. As electric lighting spread, communities embraced the newfound safety and convenience, marking the dawn of modern illumination. People could now easily turn off their lights with a simple switch, reshaping daily life and extending productivity into nighttime hours. Edison's contribution remains an enduring legacy, symbolizing the power of innovation and perseverance.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Turn Off

What is the origin of turn off?

+
The phrase 'turn off' originally denotes the action of halting the flow or supply of something, often water. Applied to technology with the advent of gas and electric lamps, it described switching off a device or machine, becoming widely used in everyday language.

Can turn off be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'turn off' is versatile and used in both formal and informal contexts. In professional settings, it can refer to shutting down machinery, while in casual settings, it refers to turning off everyday household items like lights or distractions.

What is the difference between turn off and switch off?

+
While 'turn off' and 'switch off' are mostly synonymous, 'turn off' is often more commonly used in American English, while 'switch off' is frequently used in British English. Both imply deactivating or cutting the power to a device or appliance.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

shut offswitch offput outstopdeactivate
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
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



0%
Scroll to Top