TURN OFF is the opposite of TURN ON, and you'll use it just as often. Let's make sure you pronounce it correctly.
Basic Pronunciation
Stress Pattern
Like most phrasal verbs, stress falls on the particle:
- turn = less stressed
- OFF = main stress (louder, longer)
Say: "turn OFF" not "TURN off"
Connected Speech
In natural speech, the /n/ links to the /ɔː/ vowel:
- Written: turn off
- Sounds like: "tur-NOFF" /tɝːˈnɔːf/
With Objects
The /ɔː/ Vowel in "Off"
The vowel in "off" is /ɔː/ — a rounded, open-mid back vowel. This sound varies between American and British English:
- American: Often closer to /ɑː/ (similar to "father")
- British: More rounded /ɒ/
Different Meanings
1. Deactivate a device
2. Leave a road
3. Cause disinterest (informal)
The Noun: TURN-OFF
As a noun (hyphenated), the stress shifts:
Verb: turn OFF /tɝːn ˈɔːf/ (stress on OFF)
Noun: TURN-off /ˈtɝːnɔːf/ (stress on TURN)
Common Mistakes for Spanish Speakers
1. The /f/ sound
Make sure "off" ends with a clear /f/ sound, not /v/ or silence.
2. The /ɝː/ in "turn"
Remember: don't roll the R. Curl your tongue back for the American R-colored vowel.
3. Separating the words
Link "turn" and "off" smoothly: tur-NOFF.
Practice Sentences
- "Turn OFF the TV." → /tɝːˈnɔːf ðə tiː viː/
- "Please turn it OFF." → /pliːz ˈtɝːnɪˈtɔːf/
- "I turned OFF my alarm." → /aɪ tɝːnd ˈɔːf maɪ əˈlɑːrm/
- "Don't forget to turn OFF the lights." → /doʊnt fɚˈɡet tə tɝːˈnɔːf ðə laɪts/
TURN ON vs. TURN OFF Comparison
| Verb Form | Turn ON | Turn OFF |
|---|---|---|
| Base | turn ON /tɝːˈnɑːn/ | turn OFF /tɝːˈnɔːf/ |
| With "it" | turn it ON /ˈtɝːnɪˈtɑːn/ | turn it OFF /ˈtɝːnɪˈtɔːf/ |
| Past | turned ON /tɝːnd ˈɑːn/ | turned OFF /tɝːnd ˈɔːf/ |
Quick Summary
- Stress on OFF: turn OFF
- Link /n/ to /ɔː/: "tur-NOFF" /tɝːˈnɔːf/
- "Turn it off" = TUR-ni-TOFF
- Clear /f/ at the end
- Noun "turn-off" has stress on first syllable
Continue with How to pronounce LOOK FOR.