Lights turn on.

Meaning: This means that the lights are being activated. It's like saying, The lights are being turned on.

Choice of Words: Lights refers to the artificial illumination in a room or space. Turn is a verb that means to change or alter the position or state of something. On is an adverb that means in a state of operation or working order. When you put them together, "Lights turn on" is a simple statement that describes the lights turning on.

Alternative Expressions

The lights go on.

Meaning: Similar to the previous sentence, this one conveys the idea that the lights have been turned on and are now providing illumination.

Choice of Words: The word "lights" still refers to the source of illumination. "Go on" means to start operating or functioning. In this context, it implies that the lights have been activated and are now emitting light.

The lights are turned on.

Meaning: This sentence also means that the lights have been activated and are now providing illumination, but it emphasizes the action being done to the lights rather than the lights performing the action themselves.

Choice of Words: The word "lights" remains the same. "Are turned on" is a passive voice construction that indicates an action has been done to the subject (the lights). In this case, the action is "turning on," which means activating the lights to emit light.

Related Expressions