are converted to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are converted to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about the process of changing something from one form or type to another. For example, "Carbon dioxide emissions are converted to carbon neutral energy sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

People are converted to Islam every year.

The Guardian - Travel

For comparison δ18Osc source waters are converted to δD values.

Nature

Redemption may come when all Jews are converted to Karaism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Monomers are converted to polymers by two distinctly different mechanisms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some old books are converted to more functional uses.

The New York Times - Magazine

All piezo triggers are converted to MIDI by the Alesis D4 8-channel Drum trigger box.

Princeton University

Vitamins are converted to coenzymes, which team up with enzymes to perform some essential metabolic function.

University of California, Berkeley

These numbers are converted to final mouse movement values by noise detection and scaling.

Cornell University

Landed GAF are converted to IFQ equivalent pounds as specified in § 300.65 c) of this title.

Cornell University

Individual species distribution polygons are converted to Presence raster using the Extant class attribute.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

as large areas of highly weathered tropical soils….are converted to agriculture.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are converted to" to describe a process where something undergoes a fundamental change in form, function, or state. This is common in scientific, technical, and general contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "are converted to" when describing actions that are easily reversible or do not involve a significant transformation. For instance, saying "the lights are converted to off" is less appropriate than "the lights are switched off".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are converted to" functions as a passive construction indicating a transformation or change of state. Ludwig provides many examples highlighting this use, demonstrating its prevalence in describing processes where something undergoes a modification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

27%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are converted to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a transformation process, as affirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans across scientific, academic, and general contexts, indicating a change in form, function, or state. While versatile, it's important to use it accurately, especially avoiding its application to reversible processes where a simple change of state occurs. The linguistic analysis reveals a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for objective and technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are transformed into

Emphasizes a change in form or appearance.

are changed into

Highlights the act of changing something.

are turned into

Suggests a complete alteration or repurposing.

are made into

Focuses on the creation of something new from existing material.

are rendered as

Indicates a process of interpretation or representation.

are processed into

Emphasizes a sequence of actions leading to a new state.

are reformed into

Suggests a change in structure or organization.

are transmuted to

Implies a more profound or even magical change.

are switched to

Focuses on replacing with something else.

are evolved into

Indicates a gradual development over time.

FAQs

How can I use "are converted to" in a sentence?

The phrase "are converted to" is used to describe a transformation of something into a different form. For example, "The harvested energy is stored as starches, which "are converted to" sugars when the tomatoes ripen".

What are some alternatives to "are converted to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "are transformed into", "are changed into", or "are turned into", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was converted to" instead of "are converted to"?

Yes, "was converted to" is correct when referring to a past event or a single instance of conversion. "Are converted to" is used for general statements or ongoing processes.

What's the difference between "are converted to" and "become"?

"Are converted to" implies a process or action that causes the change, while "become" simply indicates a change in state without specifying the cause. For example, "The oxalates "are converted to" oxides by annealing" implies a process, whereas "the water becomes ice" simply states a change in state.