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turn up
/tɜːrn ʌp/◆phrasal verb
appear unexpectedly
She turned up at the party even though we didn't invite her.
She appeared at the party unexpectedly.
informal
to appear or arrive, often unexpectedly or after being lost
The missing keys turned up under the couch.
The missing keys were found under the couch.
He promised to come but never turned up.
He promised to come but never arrived.
Commonly used for people or objects that were previously missing or unaccounted for.
general
to increase the volume, heat, or intensity of something
Can you turn up the music? It's too quiet.
Can you increase the volume of the music?
Turn up the heat—I'm freezing!
Increase the temperature—I'm very cold.
Typically used with objects like radios, heaters, or stoves.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Separable vs. Inseparable
When 'turn up' means to increase (volume/heat), it is separable. You can say 'turn up the radio' or 'turn the radio up.' When it means to appear, it is usually inseparable (e.g., 'She turned up late').
Gold Rule
Context is Key
Always check whether 'turn up' refers to appearance (social/physical) or adjustment (volume/heat). Misinterpreting the context can lead to confusion.
Word Origin
The phrasal verb 'turn up' emerged in the early 19th century, combining 'turn' (to direct or move) and 'up' (indicating increase or appearance). The sense of 'appear' likely derives from the idea of something 'turning' into view or 'rising' into sight.
Usage Notes
'Turn up' is highly context-dependent. In social contexts, it often implies an unplanned or surprising appearance. In technical or mechanical contexts, it usually refers to adjusting settings like volume or heat. The phrasal verb is separable; objects can be placed between 'turn' and 'up' (e.g., 'turn the music up').
Word Breakdown
turn
to direct or move something in a direction
verbup
indicates increase, rise, or appearance
adverbEnglish Dictionary