Phrasal verb
turn up
Meanings
to appear, arrive, or be found (often unexpectedly)
to increase the level, power, or intensity of something (especially sound or heat)
to be discovered or found after being missing
Definition
To turn up means to appear or be found unexpectedly, or to increase the level of something like sound or heat.
When something or someone turns up, they appear, arrive, or are discovered, often when you did not expect it. You can also turn up a device or control to make it higher or louder, such as the volume or the heat. In some contexts, turn up can also mean to show up for an event or meeting.
Examples
- I didn’t expect Lara to turn up at the café after work.
- Can you turn up the music a little so we can hear it?
- He never turned up for the team practice on Saturday.
- The missing earring turned up in her coat pocket.
- They turned up late to the movie and had to sit in the front row.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse turn up (arrive/appear) with turn on (start a device) and say “turn up the TV” when they mean “turn on the TV.”
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.