turn up
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle up
Meanings
Increase the setting on a machine or device
Why “up”? More of something is higher. Quantity, intensity and speed all rise.
“Turn up the brightness so we can see the screen.”
“He turned the radio up when his favorite song started.”
Appear, often unexpectedly
Why “up”? A person, thing, signal, idea, or truth becomes present, visible, active, or known.
“My keys turned up between the sofa cushions.”
“Her missing passport turned up in a drawer.”
Common mistake
He turned up to late.
He turned up late.
Turn up (arrive) is followed by an adverb like late — no to.
Natural collocations
The word partners “turn up” most often appears with — learn the phrase, not just the verb.
Don't confuse with
Test yourself
“Turn up the brightness so we can see the screen.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
turn down
A contrast learners often mix up
Reject or refuse an offer or request; Lower the volume, heat or intensity of a device; Fold or pull bedding so it is ready to sleep in
turn out
A contrast learners often mix up
Happen in a particular way or have a particular result
back up
Same up pattern: increase
Make a digital copy of data as a safeguard; Support someone's claim, story or position; Move backward along the same path; (of traffic or water) accumulate because flow is blocked
beef up
Same up pattern: increase
Strengthen or reinforce
blow up
Same up pattern: appearance
Explode or be destroyed by an explosion; Inflate something by filling it with air; Suddenly become very angry; Enlarge a photograph or image; (of a storm or argument) develop quickly into something serious
bring up
Same up pattern: appearance
Mention or raise a topic
build up
Same up pattern: increase
Gradually increase in amount, strength or intensity; Develop or strengthen something over time; Make someone or something seem more important or impressive than they are; Encourage or strengthen someone emotionally; Create momentum towards a moment or event
call up
Same up pattern: appearance
Telephone someone; Order someone to join military service; Display information on a screen or computer; Bring a memory or feeling vividly to mind; Select a player for a higher-level team
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “turn up”.
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