Turn Off – Meaning and Examples

Do you switch off lights when you leave a room? Have you ever lost interest in something that initially seemed exciting? In English, we use the same phrase for both situations. Today, you will learn the phrasal verb turn off.

What Does “Turn Off” Mean?

“Turn off” has two common meanings. First, it means to stop a machine or device from working, like switching off a light. Second, it means to make someone lose interest or feel dislike. Think of it like both stopping electricity and stopping interest.

When to Use It

You can use this phrasal verb in many daily situations. Use it when switching off electronics, lights, or appliances. Use it when talking about things that make you lose interest. You can also use it to describe behavior that makes people feel uncomfortable. This phrase works in both casual and formal English.

Example Sentences

Please turn off the TV before you go to bed.
His rude comments really turn me off.
Don’t forget to turn off the oven after cooking.
The messy eating habits were a real turn-off at the dinner.

Mini Dialogue

Mother: “Are you leaving the house?”

Son: “Yes, I’ll turn off all the lights before I go.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Remember the two different meanings. Don’t use “turn off” for closing doors or windows—use “close” or “shut” instead.

❌ Don’t say: “Turn off the window, it’s cold.”
✅ Do say: “Turn off the air conditioner, it’s cold.”

Practice Tip

When you leave a room today, say out loud: “I need to turn off the [device].” This will help you remember the physical meaning of the phrase.

Final Note

Using “turn off” correctly will help you talk about both electronics and personal preferences. It’s one of the most useful phrasal verbs in English. Now you’re ready to use it confidently in your daily conversations!

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