Meaning trap
turn out
attend an event
to go to a place or event, especially in large numbers.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to go to a place or event, especially in large numbers.
Another meaning of 'turn out' is 'prove to be'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Thousands of fans turned out for the concert.
Many local residents turned out to support the charity run last weekend.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Thousands turned out the protest.
Say: Thousands turned out for the protest.
People 'turn out FOR' an event.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Turn out' is the natural verb for people showing up in numbers; 'a substantial number of attendees were present' is report-speak.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
turn out for
- for the match
- in force
- in numbers
- to vote
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- turn out (prove to be) — Another meaning of 'turn out' is 'prove to be'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.