Expressions used in Everyday Spoken English in Social and Professional contexts

turn up

Meaning(s)

How to MemorizePopularity HighProfessional HighSocial
- turn up at/to party/class
Analysis
The phrasal verb 'turn up' means 'to be found' particularly after looking for something that was lost or missing. It can also mean to appear somewhere or to arrive, particularly at an event. 'Turn up' is a useful phrasal verb. As a noun, 'turn-up' refers to folding fabric or material so that the fold shows on the outside (such as on trouser legs for example) or something unusual or unexpected that happens.
Social Examples (Basic)
1. The test is so easy that you don't have to study, just turn up and you'll pass.
2. My plan was just to turn up at the party and let people see that I attended and then leave.
3. He just turned up to class this morning. We weren't expecting him.
Professional Examples (Basic)
1. We have invited a number of VIP's and special guests to the launch so I hope some of them turn up.
2. Last year a huge number of people turned up to the conference without responding to the invite.
Further Suggestions
trip up

How to MemorizePopularity HighProfessional HighSocial
- turn up the volume
Analysis
To 'turn up' can mean to raise or increase usually by using a control. You can 'turn up the volume' for example or 'turn up the heat. This use of 'turn up' can be found in social and professional contexts.
Social Examples (Basic)
1. The test is so easy that you don't have to study, just turn up and you'll pass.
2. My plan was just to turn up at the party and let people see that I attended and then leave.
3. He just turned up to class this morning. We weren't expecting him.
Professional Examples (Basic)
1. When mixing sound on the record we turned up the background noise we recorded in the building to enhance the soundscape.
2. Could you turn up the TV? I want to hear the leaders debate from the kitchen.
Further Suggestions
turn up the heat

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