Quick Definition
Turn Up — To arrive, especially unexpectedly; to increase volume or intensity; to be found.
Meanings of Turn Up
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Arrive unexpectedly | He turned up two hours late with no explanation. | He arrived late and unexpectedly. |
| Increase volume/heat | Turn up the heat — I'm cold. | Increase it. |
| Be found | The missing keys eventually turned up in the drawer. | They were found. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| He turned up two hours late with no explanation. | He arrived late and unexpectedly. |
| Turn up the heat — I'm cold. | Increase it. |
| The missing keys eventually turned up in the drawer. | They were found. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll turn up it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: separable / intransitive | Transitivity: transitive / intransitive
Intransitive for 'arrive' and 'be found'. Transitive separable for volume: turn the radio up / turn up the radio.
How to Use Turn Up
Informal to neutral. All three meanings are common in everyday speech.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | He turned up two hours late with no explanation. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Turn Up
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Turn Up
What does "Turn Up" mean?
"Turn Up" means: To arrive, especially unexpectedly; to increase volume or intensity; to be found. It is a transitive / intransitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Turn Up" separable or inseparable?
"Turn Up" is separable / intransitive. Intransitive for 'arrive' and 'be found'. Transitive separable for volume: turn the radio up / turn up the radio.
How do I use "Turn Up" in a sentence?
He turned up two hours late with no explanation. -- in this example, 'Turn Up' means he arrived late and unexpectedly.
What is the register of "Turn Up"?
Informal to neutral. All three meanings are common in everyday speech.
What CEFR level is "Turn Up"?
"Turn Up" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in informal to neutral contexts.
What is the difference between "Turn Up" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Turn Up" specifically means: To arrive, especially unexpectedly; to increase volume or intensity; to be found. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Turn Up" be used formally?
Informal to neutral. All three meanings are common in everyday speech. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Turn Up" take an object?
"Turn Up" is transitive / intransitive. Intransitive for 'arrive' and 'be found'. Transitive separable for volume: turn the radio up / turn up the radio.
How can I practise "Turn Up"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Turn Up' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Turn Up" used in British or American English?
"Turn Up" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Informal to neutral. All three meanings are common in everyday speech.