Phrasal verb
turn out
Meanings
to happen or end in a particular way; to be the final result
to produce or make something, often in large quantities
to come or appear at a place, especially for an event or to help
Definition
To turn out means to happen or end in a particular way.
When something turns out a certain way, it becomes clear that this is the final result. People often use it to talk about surprises or outcomes discovered later. It can also mean to produce something, especially in large quantities, or to appear for an event.
Examples
- The trip was stressful at first, but it turned out great.
- I thought the meeting was on Friday, but it turned out to be today.
- She turned out three perfect cupcakes on her first try.
- They turned out in big numbers to support the local team.
Common mistake
Learners often use "turn out" as a transitive verb for results (wrong: "turn out something"), but for outcomes it is usually intransitive ("It turned out well").
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.