Commonly confused
Turn up vs Turn down
“Turn up” and “Turn down” 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 up means appear, often unexpectedly. Turn down means reject or refuse an offer or request.
turn up
- 1
Increase the setting on a machine or device
“Turn up the brightness so we can see the screen.”
- 2
Appear, often unexpectedly
“My keys turned up in the sofa.”
turn down
- 1
Reject or refuse an offer or request
“She turned down the job.”
- 2
Lower the volume, heat or intensity of a device
“Turn the music down.”
- 3
Fold or pull bedding so it is ready to sleep in
“She turned down the bed for the guest.”
Stop mixing them up
Sink In turns confusable pairs like this into quick contrast drills, so the right particle becomes automatic.