turn on
/tɜːn ɒn/
Meaning
'Turn on' means to activate or start the flow of electricity, water, or gas to a device, light, or appliance. It is a fundamental daily phrasal verb used when operating household items like TVs, lamps, computers, and faucets. It is neutral and essential for everyday communication.
Examples
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Could you please turn on the lights? It's getting dark in here.
Could you please turn on the lights? It's getting dark in here.
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First, turn on the computer and wait for the login screen to appear.
First, turn on the computer and wait for the login screen to appear.
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She turned on the faucet to wash her hands.
She turned on the faucet to wash her hands.
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Don't turn on the television while you are trying to study.
Don't turn on the television while you are trying to study.
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He turned on the heater because the room was freezing.
He turned on the heater because the room was freezing.
Common Mistakes
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✗ Open the light, please.
✓ Turn on the light, please.
In English, we do not 'open' or 'close' lights or electronic devices; we 'turn them on' or 'turn them off'.
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✗ He turned on it.
✓ He turned it on.
When using a pronoun (like 'it', 'them', 'him') with a separable phrasal verb like 'turn on', the pronoun must go between the verb and the particle.
Related Expressions
Practice
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It's cold in here; can you ___ the heater?
💡 activate an appliance
Show answer
turn on
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Remember to ___ your camera before the online meeting starts.
💡 switch on an electronic device
Show answer
turn on