Understanding the Phrasal Verb "Turn Away"
The English language is rich with phrasal verbs, and turn away is a versatile example you will frequently encounter in daily conversation, literature, and news reports. At its simplest, it describes the physical act of changing your orientation, but it also carries deeper figurative meanings related to exclusion and shifts in focus. Whether you are navigating a social situation or describing a complex policy, knowing how to use turn away correctly will help you communicate more precisely and naturally.
Core Meanings and Usage
To master this phrasal verb, it helps to break down its primary definitions. While the action can be literal, it is just as often used to describe emotional or organizational boundaries.
1. Physical Movement
This is the most direct meaning. It refers to the action of moving your body or head so that you are no longer facing someone or something.
- She had to turn away to hide the tears in her eyes.
- When the bright lights flashed, he turned away instinctively.
2. Refusal of Access
In a formal or institutional context, this means to deny someone entry or service. This is commonly used in business or security settings.
- The nightclub was so crowded that the bouncers had to turn away hundreds of fans.
- The hospital could not turn away anyone seeking emergency medical care.
3. Shifting Focus or Interest
We use this when someone decides to stop paying attention to a topic, person, or line of thought, often due to a change in values or a lack of interest.
- After years of success, the public began to turn away from that style of music.
- It is difficult to turn away from such a compelling mystery novel once you have started reading it.
Grammar and Structure
Turn away is a phrasal verb that can function in two ways:
Intransitive: It does not require an object when describing a movement of the self.
- "He turned away in disgust." (No object follows the verb).
Transitive: When used to mean "refusing entry," it acts as a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object between the two words or after them.
- "They turned the crowd away." (Separable)
- "They turned away the crowd." (Correct, but less common with long objects).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common error learners make is confusing turn away with turn off. While turn off usually relates to machines or interest, turn away relates specifically to people or facing directions. Another common mistake is forgetting that turn away is often used in the passive voice when discussing crowds or refugees.
Incorrect: "The people were turned off by the border."
Correct: "The refugees were turned away at the border."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "turn away" the same as "look away"?
They are very similar, but look away specifically refers to your eyes. Turn away implies moving your head or your entire body.
Can I use "turn away" for objects?
Generally, no. We usually use turn away for people or abstract concepts like "interest." If you are moving an object, it is better to say "move," "rotate," or "reposition."
What is the past tense of "turn away"?
Because "turn" is a regular verb, the past tense is simply turned away. The present participle is turning away.
Is "turn away" considered formal?
It depends on the context. Saying "He turned away from me" is neutral and common in daily speech. However, using it to describe "turning away applicants" is standard in professional or journalistic writing.
Conclusion
The phrase turn away is a perfect example of how English words can shift from simple physical actions to complex social interactions. Whether you are describing a person shyly looking at the floor or an organization managing a high volume of requests, this phrasal verb provides the right tone and clarity. By practicing these different usages, you will become much more comfortable incorporating this common expression into your own English vocabulary.