Commonly confused

Turn in vs Turn out

Turn in” and “Turn out” look alike but pull in different directions. Here is what each one means, with examples — and the difference that learners most often miss.

The key difference

Turn in means go to bed for the night. Turn out means happen in a particular way or have a particular result.

turn in

  1. 1

    Go to bed for the night

    I'm turning in early tonight.

Full meaning of turn in

turn out

  1. 1

    Happen in a particular way or have a particular result

    It turned out fine in the end.

Full meaning of turn out

Stop mixing them up

Sink In turns confusable pairs like this into quick contrast drills, so the right particle becomes automatic.