turn left

Meaning

Turn left means to change your direction of movement toward the left side. It is a fundamental phrase used when giving or following directions on streets, in buildings, or while driving.

Examples

• Go straight for two blocks and then turn left at the traffic light.

  Go straight for two blocks and then turn left at the traffic light.

• You need to turn left after you pass the big supermarket.

  You need to turn left after you pass the big supermarket.

• The GPS told me to turn left, but the road was blocked.

  The GPS told me to turn left, but the road was blocked.

• If you turn left here, you will see the museum on your right.

  If you turn left here, you will see the museum on your right.

• Make sure you turn left at the corner, not right.

  Make sure you turn left at the corner, not right.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Turn to the left side at the bank.

  ✓ Turn left at the bank.

  While grammatically possible, native speakers rarely say 'turn to the left side'. The short phrase 'turn left' is much more natural.

• ✗ Turn on left after the station.

  ✓ Turn left after the station.

  Do not use the preposition 'on' between 'turn' and 'left' when giving directions.

Related Expressions

Practice

• To find the station, go to the end of this road and ___ left.

  💡 Change direction towards the left.

  Show answer

  turn

• Don't go straight; you need to ___ left at the next intersection.

  💡 Opposite of turning right.

  Show answer

  turn