turn off
SeparableThe object can go before or after the particle — but a pronoun MUST go in the middle: “clean it up”, never “clean up it”.
How to say it
Stress the particle, not the verb: turn OFF. Saying “TURN off” is the clearest learner tell — the verb stays light and the particle carries the beat.
Link across the gap. The final /n/ of “turn” moves onto the particle and starts its syllable: “turn off” is said “tur-noff”. Pausing between the words is what makes phrasal verbs sound recited rather than spoken.
Verb vs noun
As a noun the stress flips to the front: the verb is turn OFF, the noun is TURNOFF. Same two words, different beat — “to turn OFF” is the action, “a turnoff” is the thing. Getting this backwards makes the sentence land oddly even when every sound is right.
2 meanings
- 1
To switch a device or supply off.
- “Don't forget to turn off the light when you leave.”
- “Turn it off at the wall.”
Similar: switch off, shut off
- 2
To make someone lose interest.
- “The tone of the ad turned a lot of people off.”
Similar: repel, put off