in turn

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   As the next step in a chain of events, with one thing leading to another.

   Grammar: Usually placed between a subject and verb or at the start of a clause: which in turn caused the delay.

   Patterns

   • which in turn leads to something
   • this in turn affects something

   Higher prices reduce spending, which in turn slows the economy.

   The storm damaged the power lines, which in turn left thousands without heat.

   Good sleep improves mood, and that in turn helps you work better.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   One after another, in order, so that each person or thing has a chance.

   Grammar: Often used after a verb: they spoke in turn.

   Patterns

   • do something in turn
   • speak in turn

   The children climbed the ladder in turn.

   Each student presented in turn.

   The two teams took the stage in turn.

3. 3phrasefixed phrase

   As a reply or response, doing the same thing back to another person.

   Grammar: Suggests a reaction to a previous action.

   Patterns

   • in turn, someone does something

   She praised him, and he, in turn, thanked her team.

   The manager trusted the staff, who in turn trusted her.

   He helped her move, and she in turn cooked him dinner.

Common combinations

which in turn

The policy raised costs, which in turn raised prices.

speak in turn

Please speak in turn so everyone can hear.

each in turn

The judges praised each in turn.

and in turn

He trained his sister, and in turn she trained others.

Synonyms and how they differ

consequently

Consequently shows a result but not necessarily a chain, while in turn shows each link causing the next.

successively

Successively emphasizes order only, with no sense of cause.

one by one

One by one stresses individual handling, whereas in turn can also show cause and effect.

then

Then merely shows sequence, with less sense of a result.

Opposites

Word family

turn noun

a chance to do something in order

turn verb

to change direction or condition

turns noun

as in taking turns, doing something one after another

Commonly confused: in turn or at turn? in turn or on turn?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “in turn”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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