Meaning trap
turn up
arrive unexpectedly
To arrive somewhere, especially when you are not expected or when it was not certain you would come.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To arrive somewhere, especially when you are not expected or when it was not certain you would come.
Another meaning of 'turn up' is 'increase volume or heat'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
He didn’t turn up to the meeting until it was almost over.
Sometimes, my friends turn up at my house without telling me first, which can be a nice surprise.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He turned up in the party very late.
Say: He turned up at the party very late.
'Turn up AT + place/event', not 'in'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Turn up' is the casual verb for showing up, often unexpectedly; 'arrived without prior notice' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
turn up + arrival
- late
- out of the blue
- unannounced
- on time
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- turn up (increase volume or heat) — Another meaning of 'turn up' is 'increase volume or heat'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.