What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
twirl
Example
The little girl twirled in her new dress, enjoying the way it flowed around her. [twirled: past tense]
Example
She twirled her hair nervously while waiting for her date to arrive. [twirl: verb]
turn
Example
He turned the key in the lock and opened the door. [turned: past tense]
Example
The earth turns on its axis once every 24 hours. [turns: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Turn is a more common word than twirl and can be used in a wide range of contexts, from describing physical movements to changes in direction or orientation. Twirl, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used in more specific contexts, such as describing dance moves or playful gestures.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between twirl and turn?
Both twirl and turn are relatively informal words and can be used in casual conversation or writing. However, turn is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while twirl is generally more informal and may not be appropriate in more formal settings.