Phrasal verbs "turn away" vs "turn to"

Differences between turn away and turn to

Turn away means to move your face or body so that you are no longer facing someone or something, while turn to means to start doing something as a way of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation.

Meanings and Definitions: turn away vs turn to

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 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: turn away, turn to 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 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 Turn away

To refuse to accept or consider something or someone.

Example

The company rejected his proposal because it was not feasible.

To deliberately avoid or ignore someone or something.

Example

After the scandal, many people shunned the politician and refused to vote for him.

avert one's gaze

To look away or turn one's eyes from something or someone.

Example

She averted her gaze from the gruesome scene and felt sick to her stomach.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Turn to

To depend on someone or something for help, support, or guidance.

Example

In times of crisis, people often rely on their family and friends for emotional support.

To actively look for or search out someone or something.

Example

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

To use or do something as a last option or alternative.

Example

When all else failed, he had to resort to borrowing money from his parents to pay his rent.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “turn”

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: turn away or turn to?

Both turn away and turn to are commonly used in everyday conversations. However, turn to is more frequently used in various contexts, such as seeking help or advice, finding a solution to a problem, or changing one's focus or interest. Turn away is less common but still used in situations where someone wants to avoid or reject something or someone.

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

Turn away and turn to are both informal phrases that can be used in casual conversations. However, turn to can also be used in more formal settings, such as academic or professional contexts, to express the idea of seeking assistance or expertise.

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

The tone of turn away and turn to can differ based on context. Turn away often carries a negative or defensive tone when related to rejecting or avoiding something or someone, while turn to typically has a positive or proactive tone, especially when referring to finding solutions or support.

turn away & 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

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!