be turned into

USAGE SUMMARY

"be turned into" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a transformation or conversion of something into something else. For example: "The caterpillar will soon be turned into a butterfly." This sentence conveys the idea of a physical transformation from a larval stage to an adult stage. "His dream of becoming a professional athlete was soon turned into a reality when he signed with a major sports team." In this sentence, "be turned into" is used to describe the realization or fulfillment of a goal or aspiration. Overall, "be turned into" can be used in a wide range of contexts to describe a change or transformation from one state to another.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This can be turned into equity.

Independent

They can be turned into great art.

The Economist

"YouTube should not be turned into YouTracked".

The New York Times - Tech

Wine will be turned into food.

The New York Times

This can all be turned into theaters".

The New York Times

It can be turned into energy.

The Guardian

Overripe fruit can be turned into smoothies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But can crisis be turned into opportunity?

The New York Times

Plastic cups can be turned into microphones.

The Guardian

Can it actually be turned into paper?

The New York Times

Big tracts could be turned into parks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be turned into" when you want to emphasize a process of transformation or conversion, especially when something is actively changed from one form to another.

Common error

Avoid using "be turned into" when an active construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The machine was turned into scrap by the workers", consider "The workers turned the machine into scrap" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be turned into" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence undergoes a transformation or conversion. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this construction is widely used to describe a change from one state or form to another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be turned into" is a versatile and commonly used passive verb phrase that signifies transformation or conversion. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and employed across diverse contexts. Its frequency is notably high in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific sources. The phrase functions to describe a process of change, emphasizing the outcome. Alternatives like "be transformed into" or "be converted into" can offer a more formal tone, while the active form, "turn into", provides a direct alternative. Recognizing and avoiding the passive voice overuse, along with the tips to rephrase, will improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be transformed into

Suggests a more significant or fundamental change in form or nature.

be converted into

Implies a change in function or purpose, often in a technical or measurable way.

be made into

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the transformation process.

become

Conveys a process of evolving or developing into something else.

morph into

Implies a gradual or subtle transformation.

evolve into

Suggests a slow, natural development over time.

develop into

Similar to 'evolve into', but can also imply a more directed or intentional process.

be rendered as

Suggests a representation or interpretation of something in a different form.

translate into

Often used when converting ideas or information into a different medium or language.

end up as

Implies a final state, often unexpected or unintended.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be turned into" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "be transformed into", "be converted into", or "be rendered as", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "be turned into" and "become"?

"Be turned into" implies an active process of transformation, often by an external force. "Become" simply indicates a change of state, without specifying the cause. For example, "The frog was turned into a prince" suggests magic, while "The frog became a prince" is more neutral.

Is it correct to say "turn into" instead of "be turned into"?

Yes, "turn into" is the active form of the phrase. "Be turned into" is passive, indicating that the subject undergoes the transformation rather than initiating it. For instance, "The caterpillar turned into a butterfly" (active) versus "The caterpillar was turned into a butterfly" (passive).

When should I use "be turned into" instead of "made into"?

"Be turned into" often implies a more significant or complex transformation than "made into". While both describe a change, "be turned into" suggests a deeper alteration in form or function. Depending on context, "be made into" can often be used interchangeably.