turn over — 3 meanings

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

phrasal verb3 meanings

turn over

1to turn something so the other side is facing up 2to give control or responsibility to someone 3generate revenue

Meaning 1 · most common

to turn something so the other side is facing up

turn sth over

To move something so that the bottom or back is now on top or facing you.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Please turn over the pancake so it cooks on both sides.

A: Did you read the answer?
B: Not yet, I need to turn over the page.

Common mistake

Not: Turn over it to see the back.

Say: Turn it over to see the back.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'turn it over'.

More on “to turn something so the other side is facing up”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In the exam, I had to turn over the paper to see the questions on the back.

Tell it apart

Turn the mattress over.

flip it

Turn the case over to the police.

hand them control — sense

Goes with

turn over + object

Practice saying this

Next meaning: to give control or responsibility to someone

Meaning 2

to give control or responsibility to someone

turn sth over to sb

To officially give someone else control, responsibility, or ownership of something.

How oftenNow and then

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

After ten years, she turned over the company to her son.

A: Who will manage the project now?
B: They're going to turn it over to the new team leader.

Common mistake

Not: He turned ~~over~~ the documents the police.

Say: He turned the documents over to the police.

'Turn ... over TO' the person who gets control.

More on “to give control or responsibility to someone”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

When my manager retired, he turned over his duties to me, which was a big step in my career.

Tell it apart

She turned the company over to her son.

handed control

The company turns over millions.

earns in revenue — sense

Goes with

turn over + to

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Next meaning: generate revenue

Meaning 3

generate revenue

turn over amount of money

To achieve a particular amount of business activity, especially in terms of money earned or sales made, typically used to describe a company’s annual or periodic revenue.

How oftenNow and then

LevelC1

Used inMostly written

Examples

The company turns over more than €5 million a year, making it one of the leading firms in the region.

A: How big is their operation?
B: Pretty substantial—they turn over close to a million dollars every quarter.

Common mistake

Not: The firm turns over of two million.

Say: The firm turns over two million.

'Turn over' takes the amount directly — no 'of'.

More on “generate revenue”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In recent years, many tech startups have managed to turn over impressive sums despite operating at a loss.

Tell it apart

They turn over £5m a year.

gross revenue

They make £5m profit a year.

what's left after costs

Goes with

turn over + revenue

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to turn something so the other side is facing up to give control or responsibility to someone generate revenue