TURN ON is a phrasal verb you'll use countless times every day — turning on lights, devices, appliances, and more. Let's master its pronunciation.
Basic Pronunciation
Stress Pattern
The stress falls on ON:
- turn = less stressed
- ON = main stress (louder, longer)
Say: "turn ON" not "TURN on"
Connected Speech
In natural speech, the /n/ at the end of "turn" links smoothly to the vowel /ɑː/ in "on":
- Written: turn on
- Sounds like: "tur-NON" /tɝːˈnɑːn/
The /n/ "jumps" to the next syllable, creating fluid connected speech.
With Objects
The /ɝː/ Sound in "Turn"
The vowel in "turn" is the R-colored vowel /ɝː/. This sound doesn't exist in Spanish!
How to make it:
- Round your lips slightly
- Raise the middle of your tongue
- Curl the tip of your tongue back slightly
- The /r/ color comes from tongue position, not from trilling
Different Meanings
1. Activate a device
2. Attack suddenly
3. Depend on
TURN ON vs. TURN OFF
These are opposites with similar pronunciation patterns:
| Phrasal Verb | IPA | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| turn ON | /tɝːˈnɑːn/ | activate |
| turn OFF | /tɝːˈnɔːf/ | deactivate |
Common Mistakes for Spanish Speakers
1. Rolling the /r/
Don't roll or tap the R in "turn." The American /ɝː/ is made by curling the tongue back, not vibrating it.
2. Pronouncing "on" as Spanish "on"
English "on" /ɑːn/ has an open back vowel, similar to "father." It's not the Spanish "o" sound.
3. Not linking
Connect "turn" and "on": tur-NON, not "turn... on."
Practice Sentences
- "Turn ON the lights." → /tɝːˈnɑːn ðə laɪts/
- "Can you turn it ON?" → /kən jə ˈtɝːnɪˈtɑːn/
- "I turned ON the AC." → /aɪ tɝːnd ˈɑːn ðə eɪ siː/
- "Don't turn ON the TV yet." → /doʊnt tɝːˈnɑːn ðə tiː viː jet/
Quick Summary
- Stress on ON: turn ON
- Link /n/ to vowel: "tur-NON" /tɝːˈnɑːn/
- Master the /ɝː/ sound (R-colored vowel)
- "Turn it on" = TUR-ni-TON
Next up: How to pronounce TURN OFF.