What are the definitions of “turn away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not allow someone to enter a place.
The doorman TURNED him AWAY from the nightclub because he was wearing trainers.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “turn away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb turn away is to not allow someone to enter a place, usually because they do not meet certain requirements or conditions. For example, a person might be turned away from a restaurant if they are not dressed appropriately.
What are the different verb forms of “turn away”?
| Root Verb | turn away |
| Third Person Singular Present | turns away |
| Present Participle | turning away |
| Simple Past | turned away |
| Past Participle | turned away |
Example
The security guard turned away the fans without tickets.
Example
She turns away anyone who tries to enter without a reservation.
Example
The bouncer is turning away people who are not on the guest list.
Example
They turned away several people who didn't meet the dress code.
Example
Many guests were turned away because the event was full.
What kind of phrasal verb is “turn away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“turn away” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The doorman turned away the man because he was wearing trainers.
Example
The restaurant turned away the couple because they didn't have a reservation.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“turn away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The doorman turned away the man because he was wearing trainers.
Example
The restaurant turned away the couple because they didn't have a reservation.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “turn away”?
Turn away from
To stop paying attention to or stop being involved with something or someone.
Example
She turned away from the TV when the news became too upsetting.
Turn one's back on
To reject or abandon someone or something.
Example
He turned his back on his friends when he became successful.
Turn away business
To refuse to serve customers or clients, often because of being too busy or having too much work.
Example
The bakery had to turn away business because they were overwhelmed with orders.
Good things to know
Does “turn away” have an informal or formal tone?
Turn away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in business or legal contexts.
