turn

To face or move in a different direction.

• Turn left at the bridge.
• He turned his head to look at me.
• The car turned into a narrow street.

How to use it: turn towards someone/something (She turned towards the door.)

Similar words: change direction

Common phrases: turn left, turn right, turn the corner, turn around

To become different, especially in color, condition, or age.

• The sky turned gray.
• The milk has turned sour.
• She turns thirty next month.

How to use it: turn + adjective (The leaves turned yellow.); turn + age (My brother turns eighteen next week.)

Similar words: become, get

Common phrases: turn red, turn cold, turn forty, turn yellow

To move in a circle around a central point, or make something move this way.

• The wheel turns slowly.
• She turned the key in the lock.
• The Earth turns once every day.

Similar words: rotate, spin, revolve

Common phrases: turn the handle, turn a key, turn clockwise

Your chance to do something when people do it one after another.

• It is your turn now.
• We took turns using the computer.
• Please wait your turn to speak.

How to use it: someone's turn to do something (It is your turn to use the shower.); take turns doing something (We took turns carrying the bag.)

Similar words: go

Common phrases: your turn, take a turn, wait your turn

Your chance to play or make a move in a game.

• Whose turn is it?
• He missed a turn because of the rules.
• On my next turn, I moved my queen.

How to use it: someone's turn to do something (It is her turn to roll the dice.)

Similar words: go

Common phrases: your turn, next turn, skip a turn, take a turn