take turns
Alternate doing something
Literally: To grab or receive one's specific opportunity in a sequence
In 15 Seconds
- Doing an activity one by one in a specific order.
- Used to share resources or tasks fairly among a group.
- A fundamental social rule for polite interaction in English.
Meaning
This phrase means doing something one after another so that everyone gets a chance. It is like a cycle where you do it first, then I do it, then you do it again.
Key Examples
3 of 6Playing a video game
We only have one controller, so let's take turns playing.
لدينا وحدة تحكم واحدة فقط، لذا فلنتناوب على اللعب.
A long road trip
We should take turns driving so no one gets too tired.
يجب أن نتناوب على القيادة حتى لا يتعب أحد.
In a business meeting
Please take turns speaking so we can hear everyone's ideas.
يرجى التناوب في الحديث حتى نتمكن من سماع أفكار الجميع.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'taking turns' is a core part of kindergarten socialization.
Pluralize!
Always use 'turns' with an 's'.
In 15 Seconds
- Doing an activity one by one in a specific order.
- Used to share resources or tasks fairly among a group.
- A fundamental social rule for polite interaction in English.
What It Means
Take turns is all about fairness and order. It means you don't do everything at once. You do an action, then stop. Then the next person does the action. It keeps things calm and organized. Think of it as a social dance. One person moves, then the other follows.
How To Use It
You usually follow this phrase with a verb ending in -ing. For example, you can take turns washing the dishes. You can also use it with to plus a verb. Both are fine in daily speech. If you are with a group, you just say, "Let's take turns." Everyone knows what to do. It is a very flexible phrase for any group activity.
When To Use It
Use it when there is only one of something. Maybe there is only one controller for the Xbox. Use it when a task is tiring. If you are driving for ten hours, you take turns behind the wheel. It is perfect for games, chores, or even talking in a meeting. It shows you are a polite and thoughtful person.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things everyone can do at the same time. You don't take turns watching a movie together. You don't take turns walking down the street. Also, avoid it in very high-pressure emergencies. If a building is on fire, nobody takes turns leaving! You just go. Use it for organized, non-emergency situations only.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, 'fairness' is a huge deal. Children learn to take turns in preschool. It is one of the first social rules we learn. If you don't take turns, people might think you are selfish. It is the foundation of 'waiting in line' or 'queuing.' It is a sign of being a 'good sport' or a team player.
Common Variations
You might hear take a turn for a single person's moment. In turn is a more formal way to say things happened sequentially. Sometimes people say alternate in scientific or very formal settings. But in 99% of life, take turns is your best friend. It sounds natural, friendly, and clear.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile and works in almost any social or professional setting. It carries a connotation of fairness and politeness.
Pluralize!
Always use 'turns' with an 's'.
Examples
6We only have one controller, so let's take turns playing.
لدينا وحدة تحكم واحدة فقط، لذا فلنتناوب على اللعب.
Commonly used with the '-ing' form of a verb.
We should take turns driving so no one gets too tired.
يجب أن نتناوب على القيادة حتى لا يتعب أحد.
Shows cooperation and safety.
Please take turns speaking so we can hear everyone's ideas.
يرجى التناوب في الحديث حتى نتمكن من سماع أفكار الجميع.
Used to maintain professional order.
I'll cook tonight, and we can take turns this week.
سأطبخ الليلة، ويمكننا التناوب هذا الأسبوع.
Implies a fair schedule for the future.
The cats take turns annoying me while I try to sleep.
تتناوب القطط على إزعاجي بينما أحاول النوم.
Used jokingly to describe repetitive behavior.
The family took turns staying at the hospital overnight.
تناوب أفراد الأسرة على البقاء في المستشفى طوال الليل.
Describes shared responsibility during a difficult time.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form.
We should ______ turns cleaning the kitchen.
The base form 'take' is used after 'should'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Take Turns'
Used with friends or kids.
Take turns with the toy!
Standard daily use.
Let's take turns driving.
Professional settings.
The delegates will take turns presenting.
Where to Take Turns
At Home
Doing the laundry
At School
Answering questions
On the Road
Merging in traffic
At the Gym
Using the treadmill
Practice Bank
1 exercisesWe should ______ turns cleaning the kitchen.
The base form 'take' is used after 'should'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsOnly if you mean one specific turn, not the act of alternating.
Related Phrases
take it in turns
synonymBritish version of take turns
