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Phrasal verbs "turn around" vs "turn away"

Differences between turn around and turn away

Turn around means to change direction and face the opposite way, while turn away means to refuse or reject something or someone.

Meanings and Definitions: turn around vs turn away

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Turn around

  • 1To reverse or change the direction or position of something.

    If you turn this argument around, you’ll see that it’s equally valid.

  • 2To change one's opinion or position.

    It was your idea, so don’t turn around and say you’re too busy.

  • 3To change direction and go back the way you came.

    Maybe she was getting all hysterical about someone who had only pulled in so they could turn around.

Turn away

  • 1Not allow someone to enter a place.

    The doorman TURNED him AWAY from the nightclub because he was wearing trainers.

Usage Examples: turn around, turn away in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

turn around

Example

If you turn around, you'll see the beautiful view.

Example

She turns around when she hears her name called.

turn away

Example

The security guard turned away the fans without tickets.

Example

She turns away anyone who tries to enter without a reservation.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Turn around

change course

To alter one's direction or plan of action.

Example

After realizing the mistake, she decided to change course and take a different approach.

make a U-turn

To turn the vehicle around and go back in the opposite direction.

Example

He missed the exit and had to make a U-turn to get back on track.

reverse one's position

To change one's opinion or stance on a particular issue.

Example

After hearing the arguments, he decided to reverse his position and support the new policy.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Turn away

reject outright

To refuse or decline something without hesitation or consideration.

Example

The company rejected outright the proposal due to its impracticality and lack of feasibility.

shut the door on

To close off or deny access to something or someone.

Example

The school shut the door on the student's request for an extension, citing the strict deadline policy.

send packing

To dismiss or reject someone in a rude or abrupt manner.

Example

The manager sent him packing after he made a disrespectful comment during the meeting.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “away”

Differences in turn around vs turn away: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: turn around or turn away?

In daily conversation, people use turn around more often than turn away. This is because turn around is used for more physical actions such as changing direction or posture. Turn away is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about rejecting something or someone. So, while both phrases are used, turn around is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of turn around and turn away

Turn around and turn away are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of turn around and turn away

The tone of turn around and turn away can differ based on context. Turn around often carries a positive or hopeful tone when related to changing direction or attitude, while turn away typically has a negative or dismissive tone, especially when referring to rejecting someone or something.

turn around & turn away: Synonyms and Antonyms

Turn around

Synonyms

Antonyms

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