Which one is correct?

[Shokir]

Recently, my English teacher argued with me that 'turn the switch on' is to be incorrectly used whereas, 'turn on the switch' is must have version. So which one is correct one,actually?
Thank you in advance

[FastTrackIELTS]

Hi Shokir,

Both of these sentences are grammatically correct, however it depends what context it is being used in.

The first example refers to the switch as the subject. "Turn the switch on".

Whereas, the second example refers to the action of turning on the switch.

"It is time to turn the switch on" - The switch is the subject of the sentence.

"Shokir, turn on the switch" - The action óf turning on the switch is the focus of the sentence.

Generally speaking, I would say your tutor is right in most cases but you were also not incorrect. I hope this helps to answer your question.

Jordan

[ieltscharlie]

They're both grammatically correct.

"Turn the switch on" is using the verb "to turn" - "on" is being used as a prepositional adverb - it's telling you where to turn the switch.
"Turn on the switch" is using the phrasal verb "to turn on" - "on" is part of the verb

Compare this to "put down"
"Put the cat down" - "down" is a prepositional adverb - it's telling you where to put the cat
"Put down the cat" - "down" is part of the verb