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turn out — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb3 meanings
  1. 1 prove to beto happen in a particular way, or to have a particular result, especially one that is unexpected.
  2. 2 attend an eventto go to a place or event, especially in large numbers.
  3. 3 assemble for protestto gather or come together in public, especially for a demonstration or protest, often to express support or opposition to a cause.
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All meanings, in depth

Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.

1

prove to be

B1turn out to be adjective/noun/clauseMost common

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

The weather turned out to be better than we expected.

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

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

Common mistake

The film turned out boring.

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'.

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
Use 'turn out' when talking about the final result of a situation, often after not knowing what would happen.'Turn out' is about the result; 'find out' is about learning something.

Often paired with

turn out + result
2

attend an event

B2turn out for/to event

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

Thousands of fans turned out for the concert.

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

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

Common mistake

Thousands turned out the protest.

Thousands turned out for the protest.

People 'turn out FOR' an event.

Tell it apart

Hundreds turned out for the festival.

showed up / attended

It turned out to be a great day.

proved to be
Use 'turn out' when talking about many people going to an event, not just one or two.'Turn out' suggests a crowd; 'show up' can be for one person.

Often paired with

turn out for
3

assemble for protest

C1turn out for/to do sth

to gather or come together in public, especially for a demonstration or protest, often to express support or opposition to a cause.

Thousands of citizens turned out to protest against the new legislation.

A: Did you see how many people turned out for the climate march yesterday?
B: Yeah, it was impressive—way more than last year.

In recent years, more young people have turned out to demonstrate for climate action, reflecting a growing sense of social responsibility.

Common mistake

Thousands turned out for protest.

Thousands turned out to protest.

'Turn out TO + verb', or 'turn out FOR + the event' (the march, the rally).

Tell it apart

Huge crowds turned out for the rally.

showed up / attended

It turned out to be peaceful.

proved to be — sense
'Turn out' in this sense is commonly used in news reports and formal discussions about public demonstrations. It is neutral in register, but contextually implies collective action for a cause, not just casual attendance.Unlike the B2 sense 'attend an event', this sense specifically refers to people assembling in public for a protest, rally, or demonstration, often with a political or social purpose.

Often paired with

turn out + numbers

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