What are the definitions of “turn to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “turn to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb turn to is to seek help, advice, or support from someone or something. It is often used when someone is in a difficult situation and needs assistance.
What are the different verb forms of “turn to”?
| Root Verb | turn to |
| Third Person Singular Present | turns to |
| Present Participle | turning to |
| Simple Past | turned to |
| Past Participle | turned 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.
Example
She is turning to her teacher for help with her homework.
Example
He turned to his friends for support during a difficult time.
Example
She had turned to her parents for financial assistance.
What kind of phrasal verb is “turn to”?
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 to” 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
When he needed advice, he always turned to his mentor.
Example
She turned to her friends for support during her illness.
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 to” 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
When he needed advice, he always turned to his mentor.
Example
She turned to her friends for support during her illness.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “turn to”?
Good things to know
Does “turn to” have an informal or formal tone?
Turn to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
