Turn To – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever called a friend for advice during a crisis? Flipped to page 42 in a manual? Or watched someone pivot from one idea to another? In English, all these actions use the phrase turn to. This versatile phrasal verb describes seeking help, changing focus, or consulting a resource—and it’s used constantly in real-life conversations.
What Does “Turn To” Mean?
“Turn to” has three main uses:
1. To seek help, support, or comfort from someone: “In hard times, she turns to her sister.”
2. To consult a book, page, or source for information: “Turn to Chapter 3 for more details.”
3. To shift attention or focus toward something: “After graduation, he turned to tech startups.”
Think of it like physically turning your body toward someone or something—except it’s often emotional, mental, or metaphorical.
When to Use It
Use “turn to” in neutral, personal, or instructional contexts:
• When asking for emotional support: “When I’m stressed, I turn to music.”
• In classrooms or manuals: “Please turn to page 15.”
• When describing life changes or focus shifts: “She turned to writing after leaving law.”
It’s widely used in speaking, writing, and media—perfect for real-world fluency.
Example Sentences
- Many people turn to therapy to manage anxiety.
- If you’re stuck, turn to the troubleshooting guide at the back.
- After the scandal, the company turned to crisis PR experts.
- I always turn to my journal when I need clarity.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “How did you stay calm during the layoff?”
Jamie: “I turned to meditation—and my best friend.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “turn to” with “turn into” (which means to transform). Also, when giving instructions with page numbers or sections, “turn to” is correct—not “turn on” or “turn at.”
❌ Don’t say: “Turn into page 20.”
✅ Do say: “Turn to page 20.”
✅ Do say: “In grief, people often turn to family.”
Practice Tip
Next time you open a book, check a recipe, or call a friend for advice, say: “I’m turning to ______.” For example: “I’m turning to this guide” or “She turned to her mentor.” Using the phrase in real moments builds natural fluency.
Final Note
Now you can use “turn to” to show where you seek help, knowledge, or direction—with clarity and confidence. It’s a phrase full of trust and intention, used daily by native speakers in books, conversations, and life decisions. Keep listening for it in instructions, stories, and support. You’re not just learning English—you’re learning how people find their way. Keep going—you’ve got this!