When it comes to the English language, there are often words that sound similar and can be easily confused. One such case is the difference between turn and term. While they may sound alike, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in different contexts.
So, which of the two is the proper word? The answer is that both words are proper, but they have different meanings. Turn means to rotate or move something in a circular motion, while term refers to a word or phrase used to describe something or a set period of time.
Now that we have established the difference between turn and term, let’s take a closer look at each word and how they are used in various contexts.
Define Turn
Turn can be defined as a noun or a verb, depending on the context in which it is used. As a noun, turn refers to a change in direction or movement, or a specific period of time during which someone has a particular role or responsibility. For example, a person may take their turn in a game or take a turn driving a car. As a verb, turn means to change direction or orientation, or to cause something to change in this way. For instance, one can turn a doorknob to open a door or turn a corner while driving a car.
Define Term
The meaning of term can vary depending on the field or discipline in which it is used. Generally speaking, a term is a word or phrase used to describe or identify something specific. In the context of language, a term can refer to a specific word or phrase used in a particular way within a sentence or discourse. In the context of law or contracts, a term refers to a specific provision or condition within a legal agreement. In the context of education, a term can refer to a specific period of time during which classes are held, such as a semester or quarter.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right word in a sentence can make all the difference. In this section, we will explore how to properly use the words “turn” and “term” in a sentence.
How To Use “Turn” In A Sentence
The word “turn” can be used in a variety of ways in a sentence. Here are some examples:
- As a verb: “Please turn the page.”
- As a noun: “It’s your turn to speak.”
- As an adjective: “He made a sharp turn.”
- As an adverb: “She turned quickly.”
It’s important to note that “turn” can also have different meanings depending on the context of the sentence. For example, “turn” can refer to a change in direction or position, or it can refer to taking a specific action or completing a task.
How To Use “Term” In A Sentence
The word “term” is typically used as a noun in a sentence. It refers to a word or phrase that has a specific meaning or definition. Here are some examples:
- “The term ‘global warming’ refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature.”
- “The term ‘quarterback’ refers to the player who leads the offensive team in American football.”
- “The term ‘onomatopoeia’ refers to words that sound like the noises they describe.”
It’s important to use “term” correctly in a sentence to ensure that the meaning is clear and accurate. Be sure to provide enough context for the reader to understand the term’s definition in the given sentence.
More Examples Of Turn & Term Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between turn and term, it is important to see them used in context. Here are some examples of how turn and term can be used in a sentence:
Examples Of Using Turn In A Sentence
- She took a turn around the park.
- It’s your turn to do the dishes.
- The company is taking a new turn with their marketing strategy.
- He took a turn for the worse after the surgery.
- She made a sharp turn to avoid hitting the deer.
- The conversation took a turn for the awkward.
- He was at a loss for words and didn’t know which way to turn.
- The road takes a sharp turn to the left.
- It’s my turn to host the book club this month.
- She’s been waiting for her luck to turn around.
Examples Of Using Term In A Sentence
- The term “global warming” refers to the gradual increase in the Earth’s temperature.
- The term “millennial” is often used to describe people born between 1981 and 1996.
- The term “algorithm” refers to a set of instructions used to solve a problem.
- She used the term “literally” incorrectly in her sentence.
- The term “fake news” has become increasingly popular in recent years.
- The term “quarterback” refers to the player who leads the offense in American football.
- The term “renaissance” refers to a period of cultural and artistic growth in Europe.
- The term “sustainability” refers to the ability to maintain something at a certain level or rate.
- The term “dystopian” is often used to describe a fictional society that is undesirable or frightening.
- The term “ROI” stands for return on investment.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using turn and term, many people often make the mistake of using these words interchangeably. However, it is important to note that these words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
Highlighting Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes people make when using turn and term interchangeably is using “turn” when they actually mean “term”. For example, saying “I will be starting my new turn at the company next week” instead of “I will be starting my new term at the company next week” can lead to confusion as “turn” refers to a physical movement or change in direction, while “term” refers to a fixed period of time or a specific academic or legal period.
Another common mistake is using “term” when they actually mean “turn”. For instance, saying “It’s your term to make dinner tonight” instead of “It’s your turn to make dinner tonight” can cause confusion as “term” refers to a specific period of time, while “turn” refers to a chance or opportunity to do something.
Tips To Avoid Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it is important to understand the meanings of turn and term and use them appropriately in context. Here are some tips to help:
- Always double-check the context and meaning of the word you are using before using it in a sentence.
- Use a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure you are using the correct word in the right context.
- Practice using turn and term in different sentences to get a better understanding of their meanings.
- When in doubt, ask for clarification or seek help from a language expert.
Context Matters
Choosing between turn and term can depend on the context in which they are used. Both words have multiple meanings and can be used in a variety of situations. Understanding the context is crucial in determining which word is appropriate to use.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between turn and term might change:
| Context | Example Sentence | Appropriate Word Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Direction or Movement | He took a turn to the left. | Turn |
| Time Period | The term of the contract is two years. | Term |
| Switching Places or Roles | It’s my turn to be the leader. | Turn |
| Language or Vocabulary | What is the term for that in French? | Term |
| Duration or Timeframe | He served a term in prison. | Term |
| Opinion or Judgment | It’s my turn to give my terms on the matter. | Turn, Terms |
As you can see from the examples above, the choice between turn and term can vary depending on the context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the meaning and usage of each word to determine the appropriate choice.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using turn and term are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. In these cases, the traditional guidelines may not apply, and it’s important to understand why.
When To Use “Turn” Instead Of “Term”
There are a few situations where “turn” is the preferred choice over “term.” These include:
- Idiomatic expressions: In some cases, “turn” is used in idiomatic expressions that don’t follow the usual rules. For example, “turn a blind eye” means to ignore something intentionally, even though “term a blind eye” would not make sense.
- Physical actions: When referring to physical actions, “turn” is often used instead of “term.” For instance, you would “turn the page” of a book, not “term the page.”
- Directions: When giving directions, “turn” is often used instead of “term.” For example, “turn left at the next intersection” is correct, while “term left at the next intersection” is not.
When To Use “Term” Instead Of “Turn”
Similarly, there are a few situations where “term” is the better choice over “turn.” These include:
- Specific language: When referring to specific language, “term” is the correct choice. For example, you would “term a phrase” or “term a word,” not “turn a phrase” or “turn a word.”
- Legal documents: In legal documents, “term” is often used to define specific terms or concepts. For instance, a contract might “term” a particular clause to clarify its meaning.
- Academic writing: In academic writing, “term” is often used to introduce new concepts or ideas. For example, a paper might “term” a particular theory or phenomenon to establish its relevance.
By understanding these exceptions, you can use “turn” and “term” more effectively in your writing, ensuring that you convey your intended meaning clearly and accurately.
Practice Exercises
To improve your understanding and use of turn and term in sentences, here are some practice exercises:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Complete each sentence with the correct form of turn or term:
- It’s your ______ to do the dishes tonight.
- The ______ of the President is four years.
- She took a ______ around the block to clear her head.
- The ______ “dog days of summer” refers to the hottest days of the year.
- It’s my ______ to choose the movie we watch tonight.
Answer Key:
- turn
- term
- turn
- term
- turn
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:
- It’s your ______ to choose where we go for dinner tonight.
- a) turn
- b) term
- a) turn
- b) term
- a) turn
- b) term
Answer Key:
- a) turn
- b) term
- a) turn
By completing these practice exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of turn and term in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence to determine which word to use.
Conclusion
After exploring the nuances of turn and term, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. The word turn refers to a change in direction or position, while term refers to a specific period of time or a word or phrase used in a particular context.
It is important to understand the difference between these two words in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion. By using the correct word in the appropriate context, we can convey our intended meaning clearly and accurately.
Key Takeaways
- Turn and term are two distinct words with different meanings.
- Turn refers to a change in direction or position, while term refers to a specific period of time or a word or phrase used in a particular context.
- Using the correct word in the appropriate context is important for effective communication.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, we can improve our communication skills and become more effective writers and speakers. Whether it is through reading books, taking courses, or practicing writing, there is always room for growth and improvement in our language skills.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.