Phrasal verbs "look to" vs "turn to"

Differences between look to and turn to

Look to usually means to rely on someone or something for help or guidance, whereas turn to generally means to go to someone or something for assistance or support.

Meanings and Definitions: look to vs turn to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Look to

  • 1Expect, hope.

    The company is LOOKING TO increase its sales in Asia.

Turn to

  • 1Try to get help.

    She had nobody to TURN TO when her husband died.

  • 2Take up a habit.

    He TURNED TO drink after he lost his job.

Usage Examples: look to, turn to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

look to

Example

We look to the future with optimism.

Example

She looks to her parents for guidance.

turn to

Example

When she felt lonely, she would turn to her friends for comfort.

Example

He turns to his family for advice when making important decisions.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look to

To rely on someone or something to do what is expected or promised.

Example

I know I can count on my best friend to be there for me when I need her.

To rely on someone or something to provide support or assistance.

Example

As a single mother, she had to depend on her parents to help take care of her children.

To have confidence or faith in someone or something.

Example

She trusted in her own abilities to overcome any obstacles and achieve her goals.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Turn to

To depend on someone or something for support or assistance.

Example

During difficult times, she knew she could rely on her family for emotional support.

To actively look for someone or something to provide assistance or support.

Example

She decided to seek out a therapist to help her deal with her anxiety.

To turn to someone or something as a last option or solution.

Example

After trying everything else, he had to resort to borrowing money from his parents to pay his bills.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Differences in look to vs turn to: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: look to or turn to?

Both look to and turn to are commonly used in everyday conversation. However, turn to is more common when seeking help or advice from someone or something specific. On the other hand, look to is more commonly used when referring to relying on someone or something in general.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of look to and turn to

Both look to and turn to are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of look to and turn to

The tone of look to and turn to can differ based on context. Look to often carries a hopeful or optimistic tone when referring to relying on someone or something for help or guidance, while turn to typically has a practical and urgent tone, especially when seeking assistance or support.

look to & turn to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Turn to

Synonyms

  • consult
  • seek help
  • ask for assistance
  • rely on
  • depend on
  • resort to
  • look to
  • appeal to

Antonyms

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