This expression has two everyday meanings: arriving unexpectedly and increasing volume.
The idea
Turn up can mean arrive unexpectedly; in this sense it takes no direct object. For volume, say turn up the radio or turn the radio up, but turn it up. Both uses are common in everyday speech.
Examples
- A friend turned up without warning.
- Two extra guests turned up at dinner.
- My cousin may turn up later.
- Please turn up the radio.
- He turned the music up for the dance.
- I cannot hear the speaker; turn it up.
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Watch out
Do not put an object after the arrival meaning: the person arriving is the subject, as in a friend turned up.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct option. An old friend ___ up at the café unexpectedly. (turned / turning)
Show answer or example answer
turned
turned: the sentence describes an arrival in the past.
Choose the correct option. The television is too quiet. Turn ___ up. (it / its)
Show answer or example answer
it
it: the pronoun for the television goes between verb and particle.
Choose the correct option. Please turn ___ the volume. (up / down)
Show answer or example answer
up
up: the quiet sound needs more volume.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct option. An old friend ___ up at the café unexpectedly. (turned / turning)
Choose the correct option. The television is too quiet. Turn ___ up. (it / its)
Choose the correct option. Please turn ___ the volume. (up / down)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe a surprise arrival and ask someone to increase the volume.