SpeakUp

Meaning trap

turn to

to go to someone for help or advice

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

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

to go to someone for help or advice

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

View meaning map

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Whenever I have a problem, I turn to my older sister for advice.daily life
  • If I face a difficult situation, I usually turn to my best friend because she always listens and helps me find a solution.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: turn to + person

WrongWho can I turn for help?

RightWho can I turn to for help?

'Turn TO' someone — don't drop 'to'.

Patternturn to + person

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I have no one to whom I can appeal for assistance.

Natural I've got no one to turn to.

'Turn to' is the natural verb for going to someone for help; the formal version is stilted.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • turn to + person
    to a friendto familyto herfor advice

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'turn into' (to become something else) or 'turn on' (to switch on a device).

Try it in Daily Speak →