Conjugation

Turn back

faire demi-tour

Regular verb, phrasal verb.

  • Phrasal verb: back

    Only turn changes; back stays the same: turned back, turned back.

In speech, the helping verbs shorten: I’m, he’s, we’re, I’ve, I’ll, I’d.

Newbie

Enough to talk about now, the past, and your plans, and to give instructions.

  1. Present simple

    Habits, facts, and how things usually are. To say no or ask, add do or does: I don't turn back, he doesn't turn back.

    1. I / you / we / they turn back
    2. he / she / it turns back

  2. Present continuous

    What is happening now, and plans already arranged: we’re leaving tomorrow.

    1. I am turning back
    2. you / we / they are turning back
    3. he / she / it is turning back

  3. Past simple

    A finished action at a past time: yesterday, in 2020. To say no or ask, add did: I didn't turn back.

    1. I / you / he / she / it / we / they turned back

  4. Future with going to

    Plans and intentions, and what you can see coming: it’s going to rain.

    1. I am going to turn back
    2. you / we / they are going to turn back
    3. he / she / it is going to turn back

  5. Imperative

    Orders, advice, and instructions. Let’s suggests doing it together. To say no: don't turn back.

    1. (you) turn back
    2. let's turn back