What are the definitions of “turn out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Produce.
The factory TURNS OUT three thousand units a day.
- 2Produce an unexpected result.
It looked as if we were going to fail, but it TURNED OUT well in the end.
- 3Stop a light.
She TURNED OUT the lights and went to bed.
- 4Attend.
Thousand TURNED OUT for the demonstration.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “turn out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb turn out is to produce a result or outcome, especially when it is unexpected or different from what was anticipated. It can be used to describe situations, events, or even the way people or things develop.
What are the different verb forms of “turn out”?
Root Verb | turn out |
Third Person Singular Present | turns out |
Present Participle | turning out |
Simple Past | turned out |
Past Participle | turned out |
Example
The cake turned out delicious, even though I forgot to add sugar.
Example
It turns out that she was right all along.
Example
The weather is turning out to be better than we expected.
Example
The party turned out to be a huge success.
Example
The results turned out to be better than we had hoped.
What kind of phrasal verb is “turn out”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“turn out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The movie turned out to be a hit.
Example
The weather turned out to be sunny.
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 out” 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
The movie turned out to be a hit.
Example
The weather turned out to be sunny.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “turn out”?
Good things to know
Does “turn out” have an informal or formal tone?
Turn out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.