In English communication, especially in storytelling, creating an element of surprise and maintaining the listener's engagement is crucial. One of the most effective linguistic tools for this is the structure It turns out that. This phrase not only helps you guide your narrative naturally but also demonstrates a flexible, native-like command of English. This article will delve into the meaning, usage, variations, and common mistakes to avoid when using this structure, helping you confidently conquer any communication situation.

What does "It turns out that" mean?

"It turns out that" is a phrase used to introduce a piece of information, a fact, or an outcome that was unexpected to the speaker (and usually the listener as well). It essentially means "the actual result is" or "in the end, it was discovered that." It creates a clear contrast between what was initially expected or assumed and what actually happened.

Imagine you're talking about a stressful day where you thought you left your wallet at the office. You were worried all evening. But when you got home and checked your bag again, you found it. In this situation, you could say:

"I was worried all night because I thought I left my wallet at the office. But it turns out that it was in my backpack the whole time!"

How is the "It turns out that" structure used?

Grammatically, this structure is quite simple and flexible. The general formula is:

It turns out (that) + Clause (Subject + Verb)

Note that the word "that" can often be omitted in informal communication or spoken English without changing the meaning. The structure can be used in two main tenses, simple present and simple past, depending on when you discovered the surprising fact.

• It turns out that (Simple Present): Used when you have just discovered the truth and are reporting it at the moment of speaking.
• It turned out that (Simple Past): Used when you are recounting a story from the past, and the surprising fact was also discovered in the past.

Consider the following examples to see the difference clearly:

Example 1 (Present): You are trying a new recipe and think it will be very difficult. But after trying it, you realize it’s not as complex as you thought.

"I thought this recipe would be complicated, but it turns out it’s quite simple."

Example 2 (Past): Recounting a movie you saw last week. You thought the movie would be terrible because you read some bad reviews, but it ended up being great.

"We went to see that new movie last week. I expected it to be terrible, but it turned out that the critics were wrong; it was fantastic!"

Why should you use "It turns out that" in speaking and writing?

Mastering this structure offers several benefits that can elevate your language skills:

• Creates drama and engagement: When you start with "I thought..." and follow up with "but it turned out that...", you create a contrast that piques the listener's curiosity and makes your story more compelling.
• Expresses surprise naturally: This structure accurately reflects the feeling of surprise upon discovering something new, making your speech sound more authentic and relatable.
• Enhances IELTS storytelling skills: In the IELTS Speaking Part 2, you are often asked to describe a personal experience. Using "It turned out that" is an excellent way to create a turning point in your narrative, showing that you can skillfully control and guide the story, which can impress the examiner.
• Adds sophistication to your writing: In academic or semi-formal writing, introducing an unexpected research finding with "It turned out that..." can make your argument more powerful and memorable.

What are some synonyms for "It turns out that"?

To avoid repetition and enrich your vocabulary, you can use the following alternative phrases, each with its own nuance:

• As it turns out / As it turned out: Almost identical in meaning to "It turns out that," often placed at the beginning of a sentence.
  Example: "I was going to complain to the manager. As it turned out, he was standing right behind me."
• Surprisingly / Unexpectedly: Directly emphasizes the element of surprise.
  Example: "The exam was, surprisingly, much easier than we had prepared for."
• Funnily enough / Oddly enough: Used when the outcome is not just surprising but also a bit strange or amusing.
  Example: "Funnily enough, after searching for my keys for an hour, I found them in the refrigerator."
• Contrary to what I thought: Directly contrasts with a previous belief, sounding slightly more formal.
  Example: "Contrary to what I thought, the city was incredibly clean and quiet."

How can you avoid common mistakes when using "It turns out that"?

Although the structure is relatively simple, learners can still make minor errors. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Tense Confusion: This is the most common mistake. Remember the golden rule: Use It turns out for a discovery in the present, and It turned out when recounting a discovery from the past.
2. Overuse: Any phrase, no matter how good, becomes tiresome if used too frequently. Mix it up with the synonyms listed above to make your expression more varied.
3. Incorrect Context: This structure is effective only when the information that follows is genuinely surprising. Don't use it for an obvious or expected outcome.
   Incorrect example: "I studied hard for the test, and it turns out that I passed." → This result is expected, not surprising.

Conclusion

The structure "It turns out that" is a gem in the English language, helping to transform monotonous accounts into vivid and engaging stories. By understanding its meaning, mastering its usage, and flexibly combining it with synonyms, you not only improve your daily communication skills but also gain a powerful tool for acing language exams. Start practicing today to turn surprise into your communicative advantage!

Related Posts:

• Using 'Generally speaking' to Start Your Answers Like a Pro
• Mastering 'To cut a long story short': An Advanced Guide to Storytelling (Part 2)
• How to Use 'Speaking of which' for Natural Transitions