In 15 Seconds
- Used to stop a device or light from working.
- Can be split: 'turn the TV off' or 'turn off the TV'.
- Essential for saving energy and following rules in public.
Meaning
You use this when you want to stop a machine or a light from working. It means pressing a button or flipping a switch to make things go dark or quiet.
Key Examples
3 of 6Leaving the house
Don't forget to turn off the lights before we go.
Don't forget to turn off the lights before we go.
In a movie theater
Please turn off your cell phones during the performance.
Please turn off your cell phones during the performance.
Texting a roommate
Can you turn the oven off? I forgot!
Can you turn the oven off? I forgot!
Cultural Background
There is a strong cultural push for 'Earth Hour' where people turn off all non-essential lights for one hour to show support for the planet. In the UK, 'switch off' is often preferred over 'turn off,' though both are understood. It's common to hear 'Switch the kettle off.' In Japan, turning off lights in unused rooms is a deeply ingrained habit related to the concept of 'mottainai' (avoiding waste). The phrase 'turn off' is now central to the 'Digital Detox' movement, where people intentionally turn off all devices for a weekend.
The Pronoun Rule
Always put 'it' or 'them' in the middle: 'Turn it off.' Never 'Turn off it.'
Save Energy
In English-speaking countries, saying 'I'll turn off the lights' is a great way to show you are helpful and eco-conscious.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to stop a device or light from working.
- Can be split: 'turn the TV off' or 'turn off the TV'.
- Essential for saving energy and following rules in public.
What It Means
Turn off is all about stopping the flow of power. Think of it as the 'off' button in action. You use it for anything with a battery or a plug. It is simple, direct, and essential for daily life.
How To Use It
This is a phrasal verb you can split. You can say turn off the light or turn the light off. Both are perfect. If you use a pronoun like it, you must put it in the middle: turn it off. Don't say turn off it or your friends might look confused!
When To Use It
Use it every single day. Use it when you leave a room. Use it when your phone rings in a movie theater. Use it when the oven is finished. It works for big things like car engines and small things like flashlights.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for fire. For a candle or a campfire, use put out. Also, be careful with people. If you say someone 'turns you off,' it means they are boring or unattractive. That is a very different conversation!
Cultural Background
In the past, we used 'turn' because switches were often physical knobs you had to rotate. Even though we mostly push buttons now, the word turn stayed with us. It's a little piece of history in your mouth.
Common Variations
Switch off is the most common twin. It sounds a bit more British but works everywhere. In very casual slang, some people say kill the lights. It sounds dramatic, like you're in a spy movie, but it just means turn off!
Usage Notes
This is a neutral phrasal verb suitable for all levels of formality. Remember that it is separable, but pronouns must always be placed in the middle.
The Pronoun Rule
Always put 'it' or 'them' in the middle: 'Turn it off.' Never 'Turn off it.'
Save Energy
In English-speaking countries, saying 'I'll turn off the lights' is a great way to show you are helpful and eco-conscious.
Driving Directions
When using a GPS, 'turn off' means 'take the exit.' Don't just turn the steering wheel; leave the road!
Examples
6Don't forget to turn off the lights before we go.
Don't forget to turn off the lights before we go.
A standard daily reminder for energy saving.
Please turn off your cell phones during the performance.
Please turn off your cell phones during the performance.
A polite but firm request in a public space.
Can you turn the oven off? I forgot!
Can you turn the oven off? I forgot!
Using the split version of the phrasal verb.
For the love of God, turn that singing doll off!
For the love of God, turn that singing doll off!
Expressing frustration with a noisy object.
I just want to turn off my brain and sleep.
I just want to turn off my brain and sleep.
Using the phrase metaphorically for resting.
Turn off the computer before installing the new hardware.
Turn off the computer before installing the new hardware.
Clear, professional instruction for safety.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'turn off'.
It's very bright in here. Can you please ___ the light?
We use 'turn off' for lights and electrical devices.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
I need to stop my phone.
When using a pronoun like 'it', it must go between 'turn' and 'off'.
Match the 'turn off' sense to the situation.
You are driving on the highway and see your exit.
Turning off a road means leaving it to go somewhere else.
Fill in the missing words in the dialogue.
A: Did you remember to ___ the oven? B: Yes, I ___ it ___ five minutes ago.
The past tense of 'turn' is 'turned'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Turn Off vs. Close
Situations for 'Turn Off'
Home
- • Lights
- • Oven
- • TV
Travel
- • Engine
- • Highway Exit
- • GPS
Social
- • Bad habits
- • Boring talk
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIt's very bright in here. Can you please ___ the light?
We use 'turn off' for lights and electrical devices.
I need to stop my phone.
When using a pronoun like 'it', it must go between 'turn' and 'off'.
You are driving on the highway and see your exit.
Turning off a road means leaving it to go somewhere else.
A: Did you remember to ___ the oven? B: Yes, I ___ it ___ five minutes ago.
The past tense of 'turn' is 'turned'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, this is very common when you stop a tap or the main supply.
Neither is 'better.' 'Switch off' is slightly more common in the UK, while 'turn off' is universal.
In English, 'close' is only for physical objects that move on a hinge or slide. Lights are electrical, so we 'turn' them off.
It means to leave the current road you are on to enter a different one or an exit.
Yes, but it's informal. it means you make them lose interest or feel disgusted.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
The past tense is 'turned off.' Example: 'I turned off the stove.'
Yes! You can put the object in the middle or at the end.
As a noun, it's something you find unattractive or annoying.
No, you 'put out' a fire. But you can 'turn off' the gas that feeds the fire.
Yes, though 'shut down' is also very common for computers.
Use 'turn off' (two words) as a verb. Use 'turn-off' (hyphen) as a noun.
You could use 'deactivate' or 'terminate the power supply.'
No. 'Log off' means to exit your account. 'Turn off' means to stop the machine's power.
Related Phrases
turn on
contrastTo start a machine or light.
switch off
synonymTo stop a device using a switch.
shut down
specialized formTo stop a computer or large system.
cut off
similarTo stop a supply suddenly.
turn-off
builds onSomething that causes dislike.
