What are the definitions of “turn on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Cause someone to feel attraction or pleasure.
He really TURNS me ON.
- 2Start a machine.
I TURNED the radio ON to get the weather forecast.
- 3Attack.
The neighbour's dog TURNED ON me when I tried to stroke it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “turn on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb turn on is to start a machine or device by activating a switch or button. For example, it can mean turning on a light, a television, or a computer.
What are the different verb forms of “turn on”?
| Root Verb | turn on |
| Third Person Singular Present | turns on |
| Present Participle | turning on |
| Simple Past | turned on |
| Past Participle | turned on |
Example
Please turn on the lights when you enter the room.
Example
She turns on the coffee maker every morning.
Example
He is turning on the computer to check his email.
Example
Yesterday, they turned on the air conditioner because it was hot.
Example
The lights were turned on when I arrived home.
What kind of phrasal verb is “turn on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“turn on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She turned on the television.
Example
He turned the computer on to start working.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“turn on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She turned on the television.
Example
He turned the computer on to start working.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “turn on”?
Good things to know
Does “turn on” have an informal or formal tone?
Turn on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context. For instance, when discussing the operation of machines or devices, it can have a more formal tone.
