Conjugation of "Turn" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage
To rotate or spin around an axis or center point.
Look up another verb
All 12 Tenses of "Turn"
Quick reference table — every tense form of "turn" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.
| Tense | Example (I) | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I turn |
Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule → |
| Simple Past | I turned |
Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule → |
| Simple Future | I will turn |
Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule → |
| Present Continuous | I am turning |
Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule → |
| Past Continuous | I was turning |
Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule → |
| Future Continuous | I will be turning |
Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect | I have turned |
Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect | I had turned |
Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect | I will have turned |
Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been turning |
Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been turning |
Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been turning |
Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule → |
Past Tense of "Turn" — Turned
The past simple of "turn" is "turned" — formed by adding "-ed". Use it for actions that were completed at a specific time in the past, such as "yesterday", "last week", or "in 2020". For the full grammar of this tense, see our simple past tense guide.
- She turned around when she heard her name. A1
Past Participle of "Turn" — Turned
The past participle of "turn" is "turned" — the same form as the past simple, since "turn" is a regular verb. Use it after "have/has/had" for perfect tenses ("I have turned") and after "be" for passive voice ("It was turned").
- She turned around when she heard her name. A1
Is "Turn" Regular or Irregular?
"Turn" is a regular English verb. Its past simple and past participle are both formed by adding "-ed" to give "turned". The 3rd-person singular present is "turns" and the gerund/present participle is "turning".
Conjugation pattern: regular
How to Pronounce "Turn" and Its Forms
Turn: /tɜːrn/ — Stress pattern: O
The 'ur' sound rhymes with 'bird.' Stress is on the single syllable.
How to Use "Turn" — Common Grammar Patterns
Use 'turn around' for changing direction. Use 'turn on/off' for activating devices.
S + V + direction (left/right/around)
Example Sentences with "Turn" in Different Tenses
- Simple Past: She turned around when she heard her name. A1
Common Collocations with "Turn"
- turn around
- turn on
- turn off
- turn left
When to Use "Turn" vs Similar Verbs
Smart synonyms — when to use each one
- rotate — For circular motion around a fixed center
- spin — For rapid rotation with speed emphasis
Common Mistakes with "Turn"
-
Wrong: She turn often.
Correct: She turns often.
Add "s" to the verb when the subject is third-person singular (he/she/it).
Origin and Etymology of "Turn"
Old English 'turnian,' from Latin 'tornare' (to turn on a lathe).
Conjugation Tables for "Turn"
Negative Forms
- Simple present: I do not turn · He does not turn
- Simple past: I did not turn · She did not turn
- Present perfect: I have not turned · He has not turned
Question Forms
- Simple present: Do you turn? · Does he turn?
- Simple past: Did you turn?
- Present perfect: Have you turned?
Passive Voice (where applicable)
- Simple present passive: It is turned
- Simple past passive: It was turned
- Present perfect passive: It has been turned
Frequently Asked Questions About "Turn"
- Is "turn" regular or irregular?
- "turn" is a regular verb. Add -ed for past simple and past participle: "turned".
- What is the past tense of "turn"?
- The simple past of "turn" is "turned".
- When do I use simple present vs present continuous with "turn"?
- Use simple present for habits, facts, and routines: "I turn every day." Use present continuous for actions happening right now: "I am turning right now."