heytardy
Log inGet started

turn out — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings
turn out
1prove to be2attend an event3switch off (a light)

Meaning 1 · most common

prove to be

  • turn out to be adjective/noun/clause

to happen in a particular way, or to have a particular result, especially one that is unexpected.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The weather turned out to be better than we expected.

A: How was the movie?
B: It turned out to be really funny!

Common mistake

Not: The film turned out boring.

Say: The film turned out to be boring. / The film turned out boring (informal).

Most naturally 'turn out TO BE + adjective', or 'turn out + that-clause'.

More on “prove to be”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

At first, I thought the exam would be very difficult, but it turned out to be quite easy.

Tell it apart

It turned out to be a great day.

  • proved to be

A huge crowd turned out for the match.

  • showed up / attended

Goes with

  • turn out + result
Practice saying this
Next meaning: attend an event

Meaning 2

attend an event

  • turn out for/to event

to go to a place or event, especially in large numbers.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Thousands of fans turned out for the concert.

A: Was the meeting busy?
B: Yes, a lot of people turned out.

Common mistake

Not: Thousands turned out the protest.

Say: Thousands turned out for the protest.

People 'turn out FOR' an event.

More on “attend an event”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Many local residents turned out to support the charity run last weekend.

Tell it apart

Hundreds turned out for the festival.

  • showed up / attended

It turned out to be a great day.

  • proved to be

Goes with

  • turn out for
Practice saying this
Next meaning: switch off (a light)

Meaning 3

switch off (a light)

  • turn out the lightsth

To switch off a light, especially when you leave a room or go to bed (mainly British).

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Could you turn out the lights on your way out?

A: Are you coming to bed?
B: In a minute — I'll just turn the lights out downstairs.

Common mistake

Not: Turn out the light off.

Say: Turn out the light. / Turn the light off.

Use 'turn out' or 'turn off' — not both.

More on “switch off (a light)”Another example · Tell it apart · Tip

Another example

I try to save energy, so I always turn out the lights when I leave a room.

Tell it apart

Turn out the light.

  • switch it off

It turned out to be easy.

  • proved to be
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which one is it?
Spot the meaning

Which one is it?

Read the sentence, then pick the meaning that's in play.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick a meaning and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

prove to beattend an eventswitch off (a light)