What are the definitions of “turn into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Become.
Tadpoles TURN INTO frogs.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “turn into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb turn into is to change or transform from one thing or state to another. For example, it can mean changing from a caterpillar to a butterfly, or from a liquid to a solid.
What are the different verb forms of “turn into”?
| Root Verb | turn into |
| Third Person Singular Present | turns into |
| Present Participle | turning into |
| Simple Past | turned into |
| Past Participle | turned into |
Example
Water turns into ice when it freezes.
Example
The caterpillar turns into a butterfly.
Example
The weather is turning into a storm.
Example
The prince turned into a frog.
Example
The ingredients were turned into a delicious meal.
What kind of phrasal verb is “turn into”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“turn into” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The ice turned into water as it melted.
Example
The tadpoles turned into frogs.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“turn into” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The ice turned into water as it melted.
Example
The tadpoles turned into frogs.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “turn into”?
Good things to know
Does “turn into” have an informal or formal tone?
Turn into is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as academic writing or professional discussions.
