Turn off meaning in English

Learn how to use Turn off correctly with Gymglish.
Test and improve your English. Start your free trial today.

TEST YOUR ENGLISH Free trial and no commitment to buy
4,7 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot More than 8 million learners worldwide

Definition

to turn off (the radio): to switch off, to stop, to cut (the radio) verb
to turn on (the radio): to make (the radio) start verb
Turn on is the opposite of turn off:
Turn on the TV please, I want to watch the news.
You should turn off the light before leaving the room.

Examples

  • "Just turn your alarm off and go to sleep."
  • "Brian : Edward, do you mind turning your light off?"
  • "Turn off the lights and come to bed."
  • "Moira, turn the mic off."
  • "Erase the whiteboard Turn the lights off"
  • "Moira, turn the mike off."
  • "And then I turned the box on again."
  • "If you turn off your light, I'll hold your hand."
  • "Brian : Well, I turned the box off."
Exercise 1
"Would you like to switch seats with me?"

Which of the following terms could replace switch without changing the meaning of this question?

There may be more than one correct answer!

"Would you like to switch seats with me?"

Which of the following terms could replace switch without changing the meaning of this question?

There may be more than one correct answer!
This is correct. "Swap" is a synonym of "switch" in this context. Both verbs describe the act of making an exchange. In this conversation, Bruno asks to change places or seats with Donna. It should be noted that "swap" is more common in British English, for example: -Would you like to swap places with the Queen? -Not really. Also note that the verb "to swap" is irregular: swap/swapped/swapped.
This is incorrect. "Switch" and "turn" are synonymous in expressions like "Can you switch/turn on the light?", where the meaning carries a sense of starting a process. In this conversation, Bruno is using "switch" to describe the act of making an exchange.
This is incorrect. "Keep" and "switch" are antonyms, meaning that they have the opposite meaning to each other. If Bruno wanted to keep seats, then he would be expressing a desire to stay where he was.
This is correct. "Trade" is a synonym of "switch" in this context. Both verbs describe the act of making an exchange. In this conversation, Bruno asks to change places or seats with Donna. Note that the verb "to trade" also has business and commerce implications (most forms of business are essentially a form of exchange). To express the idea of physical exchange, "trade" is more commonly used in American English, for example: -Do you want to trade places with the President of the USA? -Er, thanks but no.

Still unsure of the best way to use 'Turn off'? Improve your English thanks to our online English lessons. We offer a free test as well as a free level assessment!

What our users say:

Pleasure

         

I enjoy doing my online English lessons. Only ten minutes daily are enough...Thank you!

Innovative

         

I love your innovative method which allows me to learn a new language and have fun at the same time!

Unique

         

Your method is unique! Your courses have helped me to progress and gain confidence during my travels.

Progress

         

Gymglish has allowed me to improve my English. A daily routine I wouldn't miss for anything in the world!

More testimonials.

Test your English with Gymglish today and get a free level assessment

Absolutely free - no strings attached.