What Does “Turn sth out” Mean?
“Turn sth out” means to produce or create something, often in large amounts or unexpectedly. It can also mean to empty or clean a space by removing everything inside.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “turn sth out” has several useful meanings in English. It is often used to describe making or producing something, such as a product or result. It can also mean to empty a container or space completely. Understanding the “turn sth out” meaning helps learners use it correctly in different situations. This phrase is common in both formal and informal English, making it important for speaking and writing.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: turn something out
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To produce or to empty something completely
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Turn sth out” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object between the verb and the particle or after the particle.
- Turn something out (formal)
- Turn it out (pronoun as object)
- Turn out something (less common, but possible)
Examples:
- They turned the factory out thousands of shoes.
- Can you turn the drawers out for cleaning?
How to Use Turn sth out?
Use “turn sth out” when talking about producing goods, results, or works of art. It also works when describing the act of emptying or cleaning a container or space. The context will help you understand which meaning fits best.
For example, a factory “turns out” products, while a person can “turn out” a bag to find something inside.
Examples
Here are some examples to help you understand how to use “turn sth out” in a sentence:
- The factory turned out 10,000 cars last year.
- She turned her pockets out to show she had no money.
- The bakery turns out fresh bread every morning.
- We turned the drawers out to find the missing keys.
- The team turned out a great performance despite the pressure.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse “turn sth out” with other phrasal verbs or use it incorrectly in sentences.
- Incorrect: She turned out the room for cleaning.
Correct: She turned the room out for cleaning. - Incorrect: The factory turns outed many products.
Correct: The factory turns out many products.
Remember, “turn out” is the correct form, not “turn outed.”
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include “make,” “produce,” and “empty out.” However, “turn sth out” often implies a faster or larger production, or the act of completely emptying something.
- Make: General creation or production, often slower or less industrial.
- Produce: Formal, often used for factories or farms.
- Empty out: Specifically means to remove everything from a container.
“Turn sth out” combines these ideas depending on context.
Common Collocations
“Turn sth out” is often used with specific objects. Here are common collocations:
- Turn clothes out: To empty pockets or bags of clothes.
- Turn factory out: To produce goods in a factory.
- Turn drawers out: To empty drawers completely.
- Turn a room out: To empty or clean a room.
- Turn a product out: To produce or manufacture a product.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of turn sth out:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “turn sth out” in everyday English:
Anna: Can you help me turn out my bag? I think I lost my keys.
John: Sure! Let’s empty everything out on the table.
Anna: Thanks! I’m also impressed by how quickly the factory turns out those shoes.
John: Yeah, they really turn out a lot every day.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences below with the correct form of “turn sth out”:
- The bakery _________ fresh bread every morning.
- She _________ her pockets to find her phone.
- We need to _________ the drawers before cleaning.
- The factory _________ thousands of cars each year.
FAQ
- Q: Is “turn sth out” separable?
A: Yes, you can separate the verb and the object. - Q: Can “turn sth out” mean to produce something?
A: Yes, it often means to produce or create something. - Q: Can I use “turn out” without an object?
A: “Turn out” alone means something different, like the result of an event. - Q: What is a common mistake with “turn sth out”?
A: Using incorrect past tense like “turned outed” is wrong. - Q: What objects are commonly used with “turn sth out”?
A: Clothes, pockets, drawers, factories, and rooms are common.
