Turn On – Meaning and Examples
Do you walk into a dark room and flip the light switch? You turn on the light. This common idiom is used for activating machines and electronic devices. It has other surprising meanings too, like a sudden attack or creating interest. Learning turn on will help you in many daily situations.
What Does “Turn On” Mean?
“Turn on” has three main meanings. It most commonly means to start a machine or device, like a light or TV. It can also mean to attack someone suddenly. Finally, it can mean to interest or excite someone.
Think of it like this: You turn on the radio to hear music. A dog might turn on a friendly stranger. A great song can turn you on to a new band.
Remember, the meaning changes completely based on the context of the sentence.
When to Use It
You will use this idiom in different parts of your life.
- With Technology: “Can you turn on the air conditioner? It’s hot in here.”
- Unexpected Actions: “His friendly dog suddenly turned on him and barked.”
- Creating Interest: “That new movie really turned me on to science fiction.”
The tone is usually neutral, but can be negative for the “attack” meaning. It is mostly used in informal speech.
Example Sentences
- I turn on my computer as soon as I get to work.
- Please turn on the lamp; it’s getting dark.
- He thought they were friends, but they turned on him.
- The bright colors of the painting really turn her on.
Mini Dialogue
Mom: “It’s time for the news. Can you turn on the TV?”
Son: “Sure. Oh no, it won’t turn on! The remote must be dead.”
Mom: “Try the button on the TV itself.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is using the wrong meaning for the situation. Be careful with the “attack” and “interest” meanings, as they are very different.
❌ Don’t say: “That book really turned on me.” (This sounds like the book attacked you, which is confusing).
✅ Do say: “That book really turned me on to reading.” (This means it interested you).
Practice Tip
Practice the most common meaning this week. When you enter a room, say what you will “turn on.” For example, “I need to turn on the light,” or “Let me turn on the fan.”
Final Note
This is an extremely common and useful phrasal verb. Start by practicing the “activate a device” meaning, as you will use it every day. The other meanings will become clear as you hear them in context. You can do it!
