TURN OUT

Tiny House

"It often turns out that what appears as a setback is the beginning of a new opportunity, hidden in disguise."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'turn out' means to result or end in a particular way, often contrary to expectations. It reflects outcomes or final happenings.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'turn out' means to result or end in a particular way, often contrary to expectations. It reflects outcomes or final happenings.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The object cannot be placed between 'turn' and 'out'.
Register
Neutral
Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires an object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple turn out Things often turn out differently than planned.
Past Simple turned out The event turned out to be more exciting than expected.
Present Continuous turning out It is turning out to be a glorious day.
Present Perfect have turned out They have turned out successful in their endeavors.

💡 When to Use

Unexpected outcomes
Use when describing results that differ from initial expectations, highlighting surprising or unforeseen endings.
Example: "The meeting turned out to be more productive than anyone predicted."
Describing results
Employ this phrase when summarizing how situations end, especially if the outcome provides newfound insights.
Example: "The recipe turned out delicious despite missing some ingredients."
Positive conclusions
Apply when results are favorable, often in narratives where developments lead to satisfaction or success.
Example: "The play turned out to be a great success, receiving standing ovations."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect word order
❌ Wrong: The cake out turned nicely.
✅ Correct: The cake turned out nicely.
💡 Tip: Remember: 'turned' comes before 'out'.
Incorrect object placement
❌ Wrong: It turned nicely out.
✅ Correct: It turned out nicely.
💡 Tip: The object always follows 'turn out'.
Omitting the verb
❌ Wrong: The event out as expected.
✅ Correct: The event turned out as expected.
💡 Tip: Don't forget to include 'turned'.
Practice

TURN OUT - 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

conclude result

Antonyms

fail

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The project ___ to be a huge success."

run over
turn out
get out
break down

In Context

In 1831, Charles Darwin embarked on a journey aboard the HMS Beagle, initially uncertain of its outcome. What began as a planned two-year expedition eventually turned out to be a five-year transformative voyage that significantly contributed to the scientific community. During his travels, Darwin gathered a wealth of specimens and observations that would later become the foundation of his groundbreaking theory of evolution. Unlike his expectations, the journey turned out to offer more insights than he could have imagined. By visiting the Galápagos Islands, he observed variations in species that were crucial in forming his ideas. The trip also turned out to change his perspective on the interconnectedness of life on Earth. After returning to England, Darwin spent years analyzing his findings and published 'On the Origin of Species' in 1859. His work fundamentally changed our understanding of biology and sparked widespread conversation and controversy. What seemed at first to be a simple naturalist's voyage turned out to be one of the most significant scientific endeavors in history, reshaping human comprehension of natural selection and adaptation for generations to come.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Turn Out

What is the origin of ‘turn out’?

+
The phrase 'turn out' dates back to the 1600s, rooted in military lingo, where 'turn' denoted movement and 'out' referred to the outcome or consequence of an action, eventually adopting a broader application.

Can ‘turn out’ be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'turn out' is versatile and widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts. It serves to describe outcomes in professional documents, everyday conversations, or narrative descriptions.

What is the difference between ‘turn out’ and ‘result’?

+
While both indicate outcomes, 'turn out' often conveys a sense of unexpectedness or irony, unlike 'result', which is more neutral and commonly used in data-driven or clinical contexts.

Related Phrasal Verbs

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end upwork outpan outcome outwind up
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Tiny House 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



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