Phrasal verbs "turn away" vs "turn down"

Differences between turn away and turn down

Turn away means to refuse admittance or reject someone or something, while turn down means to decline an offer or request.

Meanings and Definitions: turn away vs turn down

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Turn away

  • 1Not allow someone to enter a place.

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

Turn down

  • 1Reduce volume, temperature, etc..

    The room was too hot, so she TURNED the heating DOWN.

  • 2Reject an offer, invitation, etc..

    They offered her the job, but she TURNED it DOWN.

  • 3Fold the top covers of a bed down to make it ready for someone to go to sleep.

    The hotel staff TURNED DOWN the bed and scattered flower petals on it while we was having dinner.

Usage Examples: turn away, turn down in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

turn away

Example

The security guard turned away the fans without tickets.

Example

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

turn down

Example

Please turn down the music; it's too loud.

Example

She always turns down the heat before going to bed.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Turn away

To refuse or dismiss something or someone.

Example

The company decided to reject the proposal due to budget constraints.

To prevent someone from entering or being part of a group or activity.

Example

The club decided to exclude members who didn't meet the attendance requirements.

To refuse entry or access to a place or event.

Example

The bouncer decided to shut out the rowdy group from entering the club.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Turn down

To decline or say no to an offer or request.

Example

She decided to refuse the job offer since it didn't align with her career goals.

To decline or reject an offer or request.

Example

He had to say no to the invitation since he had a prior commitment.

decline

To politely refuse an offer or invitation.

Example

She had to decline the dinner invitation since she wasn't feeling well.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “turn”

Phrasal Verbs with “away”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: turn away or turn down?

Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but turn down is more frequently used than turn away. This is because turn down can be used in various situations such as job offers, invitations, and requests, while turn away is mainly used when someone is denied entry or access to a place.

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

Turn away and turn down are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more professional tone.

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

The tone of turn away and turn down can differ based on context. Turn away often carries a negative or harsh tone when related to rejection or exclusion, while turn down typically has a polite and respectful tone, especially when declining an offer or invitation.

turn away & turn down: Synonyms and Antonyms

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