In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe the final result of a situation.
- Reveals a truth that was previously unknown or hidden.
- Works for both positive and negative unexpected outcomes.
Meaning
It describes when the end result of a situation is different from what you expected, or when a hidden truth is finally revealed.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about the weather
The forecast said rain, but it turned out to be a sunny day.
The forecast said rain, but it ended up being a sunny day.
Discussing a new colleague
I thought he was mean, but he turned out to be very kind.
I thought he was mean, but he revealed himself to be very kind.
Reporting project results
The event turned out to be a huge success for the company.
The event resulted in a huge success for the company.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'turnout' is most frequently heard in the news regarding 'voter turnout.' It is a major topic during election cycles. British speakers often use 'turn out' with the word 'properly.' If something is done 'properly,' it turned out exactly as it should. Australians often use 'turn out' in a very laid-back way to describe social gatherings, often synonymous with 'rocking up' (arriving). In international business English, 'turn out' is a safe, neutral way to describe project results without sounding too emotional or too academic.
The 'It' Shortcut
If you aren't sure how to use it, just start your sentence with 'It turns out that...' and then say a full sentence. It works almost every time!
Don't use an object
Never say 'This turned out me well.' Say 'This turned out well for me.'
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe the final result of a situation.
- Reveals a truth that was previously unknown or hidden.
- Works for both positive and negative unexpected outcomes.
What It Means
Turn out is like a plot twist in a movie. You think one thing is happening, but then the truth reveals itself. It is the bridge between your expectations and reality. If you thought it would rain but the sun came out, the weather turned out great. It is about the final result or a surprising discovery.
How To Use It
You can use it with a person, a thing, or a whole situation. Often, we use the pattern It turned out that... to introduce a fact. You can also say something turned out well to mean it was successful. It is a very flexible phrase. It works for both good surprises and bad ones.
When To Use It
Use it when you are telling a story. It adds drama to your narrative. Use it at work when a project finishes. Use it when gossiping with friends about a blind date. It is perfect for explaining how things ended up. For example, The cake turned out delicious!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things that are currently happening. It is almost always about the result or a discovery. Avoid using it for simple physical actions like turning a door handle. That is just turning. Also, do not use it if there is no element of change or discovery. If you always knew the answer, it did not turn out to be the answer.
Cultural Background
English speakers love talking about expectations versus reality. We use this phrase because we are obsessed with the 'end result'. It reflects a culture that values the final outcome over the process. It also shows a bit of humility. It admits that we did not know everything at the start.
Common Variations
You will often hear turn out to be. For example, He turned out to be a spy. Another variation is the noun outturn, but that is mostly for economics. Stick to the verb version for daily life. You might also hear as it turns out as a sentence starter. It is a great way to sound natural.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any social context. Just remember that 'turn out to be' is followed by a noun or adjective, while 'turn out that' is followed by a full clause.
The 'It' Shortcut
If you aren't sure how to use it, just start your sentence with 'It turns out that...' and then say a full sentence. It works almost every time!
Don't use an object
Never say 'This turned out me well.' Say 'This turned out well for me.'
Optimism
In English, saying 'I'm sure it will all turn out' is a very common way to comfort a friend who is stressed.
Examples
6The forecast said rain, but it turned out to be a sunny day.
The forecast said rain, but it ended up being a sunny day.
Contrasts the expectation (rain) with reality (sun).
I thought he was mean, but he turned out to be very kind.
I thought he was mean, but he revealed himself to be very kind.
Shows a change in personal opinion.
The event turned out to be a huge success for the company.
The event resulted in a huge success for the company.
Focuses on the final outcome of a professional effort.
It turned out that the main character was the villain all along!
It was revealed that the main character was the villain all along!
Used to share a spoiler or a plot twist.
I followed the recipe, but the bread turned out like a rock.
I followed the recipe, but the bread ended up like a rock.
Uses humor to describe a failed attempt.
It turns out she had been lying to me for years.
It was revealed she had been lying to me for years.
Used for a serious or painful discovery.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'turn out'.
I was worried about the cake, but it _______ delicious!
We use the past tense 'turned out' because the cake is already finished and we know the result.
Which sentence uses 'turn out' to mean 'attendance'?
Select the correct sentence:
In this context, 'turned out' means people went to the event.
Complete the dialogue.
A: I thought Sarah was from London. B: Actually, _______ that she's from Manchester.
The phrase 'it turns out that' is used to introduce a newly discovered fact.
Match the 'turn out' sentence to the situation.
Situation: You find your lost cat in the garage.
This reveals the surprising location of the cat.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI was worried about the cake, but it _______ delicious!
We use the past tense 'turned out' because the cake is already finished and we know the result.
Select the correct sentence:
In this context, 'turned out' means people went to the event.
A: I thought Sarah was from London. B: Actually, _______ that she's from Manchester.
The phrase 'it turns out that' is used to introduce a newly discovered fact.
Situation: You find your lost cat in the garage.
This reveals the surprising location of the cat.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business meeting. In a very formal legal document, you might use 'transpire'.
'Turn out' focuses on the nature of the result (good/bad/surprising). 'End up' focuses on the final state or location after a long process.
Yes! In this case, 'turnout' is a noun meaning the number of people who came to an event.
Usually, yes. We use it most often when the result is different from what we thought would happen.
You can say 'It turned out to be a nice day' if the morning was rainy but the afternoon was sunny.
Yes, to describe their character. 'He turned out to be a great friend.'
Use 'turns out' for facts that are true now, and 'turned out' for events that happened in the past.
You can say 'turn out badly' or 'turn out to be a disaster'.
Yes, that is the literal meaning (to switch off the light), but it's different from the 'result' meaning.
Yes, it's a very natural way to introduce a surprising fact in a conversation.
Related Phrases
end up
similarTo eventually reach a state or place.
prove to be
synonymTo be shown to be something over time.
pan out
similarTo succeed or develop as planned.
come out
similarTo be released or to result in a certain way.
turn up
contrastTo arrive or be found.
