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turn to — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
turn to
go to someone for help or adviceresort to

Meaning 1 · most common

go to someone for help or advice

  • turn to person

to ask someone for help, advice, or support when you need it

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Whenever I have a problem, I turn to my older sister for advice.

A: I didn't know what to do about my job interview, so I turned to my dad for some tips.
B: That's smart. He always gives good advice.

Common mistake

Not: Who can I turn for help?

Say: Who can I turn to for help?

'Turn TO' someone — don't drop 'to'.

More on “go to someone for help or advice”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I face a difficult situation, I usually turn to my best friend because she always listens and helps me find a solution.

Tell it apart

I turned to my sister for advice.

  • went to her for help

He turned to drink.

  • started relying on it — negative sense

Goes with

  • turn to + person
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Next meaning: resort to

Meaning 2

resort to

negative

  • turn to sth sth

to begin doing something undesirable, harmful, or morally questionable, especially as a way of coping with difficulties or when other options have failed

How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

After losing his job, he turned to gambling as a way to escape his problems.

A: Did you hear about Tom?
B: Yeah, it's sad. He turned to drugs after the divorce.

Common mistake

Not: She turned into crime.

Say: She turned to crime.

'Turn TO' (resort to), not 'turn into' (become).

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

Another example

When people face prolonged unemployment, some may turn to crime as a means of survival, highlighting the need for effective social support systems.

Tell it apart

He turned to alcohol.

  • resorted to it — bad

He turned to a friend.

  • sought help — sense

Goes with

  • turn to + vice
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go to someone for help or adviceresort to