Phrasal verbs · Free lesson
Turn it on: start a device
The fan is assembled and plugged in, but it is not running. You do not need to set it up again. You need to turn it on.
Professor Scott MendozaMeaning in this lesson
turn on
Use a control to make a device start working.
Example
“Please turn on the fan.”
Please use the control so the fan starts running.
The short answer
Turn on means use a control to make equipment start working. Say turn on the fan or turn the fan on. With it, use turn it on. Turned on is the past form.
Separate preparation from starting the device.
Set up can describe getting equipment ready to use. Turn on describes starting it with its control. The control might be a switch, button or remote; you do not have to physically turn a knob. Name the device, or use it when the device is already clear.
What is still left to do?
The fan is already set up.
Please turn it on.
A device can be set up while it is still switched off. Starting it is a separate action, although setup may include switching it on.
Name the device, then replace the name
Put the noun after on
Please turn on the fan.
Use the other noun position
Please turn the fan on.
Place it in the middle
Please turn it on.
Try it now
Choose the request that fits the task.
Read all answers and explanations
The fan is ready to use but is not running. You want it to start. Which request is most direct?
Please turn on the fan.Turn on directly asks for the fan to start. Set up means prepare it; turn down asks for a lower setting, not the change from off to on.
Replace the fan with it in “Please turn on the fan.”
Please turn it on.In this equipment pattern, it belongs between turn and on. Both full-noun orders are possible, but the pronoun has one position here.
The fan starts when you press a button. Which sentence accurately describes the action?
You can say turn on even when you press a button.Turn on names the action of starting the equipment, not a required circular hand movement. A button or remote control can do the job.
Build it yourself
Make a short request.
The fan is already prepared. Ask someone to start it, using it for the fan. Begin with Please.
Arrange all four pieces. Select a piece again to move it back.
Your request
0 of 4 piecesYour chosen pieces will appear here.
See a model answer
Please turn it on.
Please turn it on asks for the known device to start. It goes between turn and on.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Can I say “switch it on” instead?
Yes. For many electrical devices, switch on expresses the same action. The pronoun also goes in the middle: switch it on.
Please switch the fan on.
Can a device be the subject of turn on?
Yes. “The light turned on” describes the light starting to operate, without naming a person who used the control.
The light turned on automatically.
Take it into your day
Turn on starts equipment. Both noun positions work, but the pronoun goes in the middle: turn it on.
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