Phrasal verb
turn round
Meanings
to rotate your body so you face the opposite direction
to rotate or flip an object so the other side faces you
to improve a bad situation so it becomes successful or better
Definition
To turn round means to rotate your body or something so it faces the opposite direction.
To turn round means to change direction so you face the other way, or to rotate something to show or reach the other side. It is often used in everyday situations like responding to a sound, turning to talk to someone, or turning an object over. In British English, it can also mean to improve or transform a situation from bad to good.
Examples
- I heard my name and turned round to see who was calling.
- You should turn round slowly if you feel someone behind you.
- He turned round and walked back to the car.
- She turned round the photo to check the back.
- They turned round the project after the first rough month.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse turn round (change direction/rotate) with turn around as if they always mean the same in every variety of English.
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.