Meaning

  1. To activate or switch something on.
  2. To start the flow of something.
  3. To suddenly attack or become hostile toward someone.
  4. To stimulate strong interest, enthusiasm, or attraction.
  5. To inspire or motivate someone.

Today's Sentences

01

It’s such a turn on.

Situation

I love when you do that, it’s such a turn on.

What am I doing?

It’s the way you light up when you talk about things you love.

Well, I love telling you about anything and everything.

02

Did you turn on the coffee machine?

Situation

Did you turn on the coffee machine?

I did but it turned itself off again.

Gosh, even the coffee machine refuses to work on Mondays.

Honestly, I can't function without coffee even on a good day.

Writer's Note

"Turn on" is a transitive, intransitive, separable, and inseparable phrasal verb.

  1. Transitive - verbs that require a direct object in order to complete its meaning.
    Structure: "Verb + Particle + Object"
    Example 1: Stress can make people turn on each other.
    Example 2: The crowd turned on the referee after the bad call.
    Example 3: Her confidence definitely turns me on.
  2. Intransitive - verbs that do not require an object to complete its meaning.
    Structure: "Subject + Verb + Particle"
    Example 1: The engine turned on by itself.
    Example 2: The sprinklers turned on right at noon.
    Example 3: The alarm turned on unexpectedly.
  3. Separable - when an object can come between the verb and particle or after the particle.  Structure: "Verb + Object + Particle"
    Example 1: Turn the lights on before you read.
    Example 2: He turned the music on to set the mood.
    Example 3: Please turn the heater on, it’s freezing in here.
  4. Inseparable - when the verb and particle stay together.
    Structure: "Verb + Particle + Object"
    Example 1: The crown turned on the performer when the microphones failed.
    Example 2: His honesty turns on a lot of people because it feels genuine.
    Example 3: The group turned on their leader after they learned the truth.

Related Words: Activate, arouse, awaken, energize, excite, ignite, initiate, inspire, power up, stimulate, switch on

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