How to use "turn down"

What Does "turn down" Mean?

The expression turn down is a versatile phrasal verb with two primary meanings. First, it functions as a literal or semi-idiomatic term meaning to reduce the volume, heat, or intensity of something (e.g., "turn down the radio"). Second, it serves as an idiomatic expression meaning to reject or refuse an offer, request, or invitation (e.g., "turn down a job").

In its literal sense regarding controls, it is compositional, as it describes the physical act of turning a knob downward. In the sense of rejection, it is semi-idiomatic. The register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for both casual conversation and professional journalism.

How to Use It

Grammatical Pattern: As a transitive phrasal verb, it requires a direct object. It follows the pattern [verb + particle + noun] or [verb + noun + particle].

• Typical Objects: Volume, music, heat, thermostat (intensity); or offer, invitation, applicant, job (rejection).
• Separability: It is separable. You can say "turn down the volume" or "turn the volume down." However, if the object is a pronoun, the particle must come last (e.g., "turn it down," not "turn down it").
• What sounds unnatural: Using "turn down" for physical orientation (like "turn down the street") is a different usage entirely. For rejection, using "turn down" for a person you dislike (e.g., "I turned down my enemy") sounds less natural than using it for a specific proposal or request.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from turn down on Ludwig.guru.

"Turn down the music." — nytimes.com

"Turn down to simmer." — nytimes.com

"I turn down the offer." — theguardian.com

"Why do agents turn down good books?" — newyorker.com

"Do people ever turn down honours?" — bbc.com

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
reject	More formal and often implies a more definitive or harsh refusal.
decline	A polite and formal alternative, often used for invitations or formal offers.
lower	Used specifically for the literal sense of reducing volume, temperature, or levels.
refuse	Stronger than "turn down"; suggests a firm "no" to a demand or request.
pass on	An informal idiomatic alternative meaning to decide against taking an opportunity.

Common Mistakes

• Pronoun Placement: Learners often fail to separate the verb and particle when using a pronoun object (e.g., saying 'turn down it' instead of 'turn it down'). This is a strict rule in English grammar for separable phrasal verbs.
• Confusing with "Refuse": While similar, "refuse" is often followed by an infinitive verb (e.g., "refuse to go"), whereas turn down is almost always followed by a noun phrase (e.g., "turn down the job").
• Wrong Particle: Using "turn off" when you mean to reduce the intensity. "Turn off" stops the device entirely, while turn down merely lowers the output.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Meaning	Grammatical Pattern	Register
turn down	To reduce intensity or reject an offer	Transitive, Separable Phrasal Verb	Neutral

FAQs

Can the parts of turn down be separated or must they stay together?

The expression turn down is a separable phrasal verb, meaning the object can be placed between the verb and the particle. You can say "turn down the heat" or "turn the heat down" with no change in meaning.

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What is the difference between turn down and decline?

While both mean to reject something, decline is more formal and suggests a polite refusal of an invitation or gift. Turn down is more neutral and is the standard choice for business contexts like job offers or loan applications.

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Where should I place the word it when using this expression?

When the object is a pronoun, you must place it between the verb and the particle. It is a common mistake to say "turn down it"; the only grammatically correct form is turn it down.