turn out

Meaning

This phrasal verb means to happen in a particular way or to have a specific result, especially one that was unexpected. It is often used to describe how an event, situation, or plan resolved itself in the end.

Examples

• Despite the bad weather, the party turned out to be a huge success.

  Despite the bad weather, the party turned out to be a huge success.

• I was worried about the exam, but it turned out to be quite easy.

  I was worried about the exam, but it turned out to be quite easy.

• As it turns out, we didn't need to buy extra tickets after all.

  As it turns out, we didn't need to buy extra tickets after all.

• Let's wait and see how the situation turns out before making a decision.

  Let's wait and see how the situation turns out before making a decision.

• Over a thousand people turned out for the charity run.

  Over a thousand people turned out for the charity run.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The plan turned out very good.

  ✓ The plan turned out very well.

  'Turn out' is a verb, so it is modified by the adverb 'well,' not the adjective 'good' in this context.

• ✗ It turned out that he is right.

  ✓ It turned out that he was right.

  When speaking about a past realization, ensure tense agreement by using the past tense 'was' instead of the present tense 'is'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I thought I lost my keys, but they ___ to be in my pocket.

  💡 Resulted in being.

  Show answer

  turned out

• Don't worry too much; everything will ___ fine in the end.

  💡 End up or resolve.

  Show answer

  turn out