convert from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convert from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when discussing the process of changing something from one form, format, or state to another. Example: "To use the new software, you need to convert from the old file format to the new one."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Convertible pants that convert from shorts to long pants are very handy, though optional.

WikiHow

"They wanted to convert from analog to digital".

The New York Times

Did your wife convert from Hinduism as well?

The New York Times - Magazine

When did you convert from Hinduism to Catholicism?

The New York Times - Magazine

Demonstrate how you would convert from one unit to another.

The New York Times

How do you convert from one unit to another?

The New York Times

(Rosenthal is himself, as one might guess, a convert from Judaism).

The New York Times - Magazine

It's not obvious that you can simply decide to convert from maximizing to satisficing.

The New Yorker

(Shamir, a convert from Judaism to Greek Orthodox Christianity, has written several anti-Semitic screeds).

The New Yorker

A convert from Catholicism to become a Lutheran pastor, her father took the family back.

The Guardian

"I didn't convert to Catholicism," he said, "because I wasn't anything to convert from.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "convert from", ensure the context clearly specifies both the original state and the resulting state after the conversion. For example, instead of saying "convert from", be explicit: "convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit".

Common error

Avoid using "convert from" without specifying the target format or state. For example, saying "I need to convert from this" is unclear; instead, specify: "I need to convert from this PDF to a Word document".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "convert from" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of transformation or change from one state, form, or system to another. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage across various contexts, from physical conversions (e.g., units of measurement) to abstract changes (e.g., religious conversions).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

29%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "convert from" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the process of changing something from one form, state, or system to another. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in diverse contexts, including news, science, and technical guides. While its formality varies with context, clarity is crucial: always specify both the original and resulting states to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "transform from" or "switch from" can provide nuanced alternatives, depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change over from

Emphasizes a shift or transition from one thing to another, highlighting the process of changing.

transform from

Suggests a more significant alteration or metamorphosis from an initial state.

switch from

Implies a straightforward change, often in a binary or alternating context.

transition from

Focuses on the act of moving smoothly from one condition, place, or stage to another.

adapt from

Highlights modifications made to suit a new purpose or condition.

shift from

Suggests a movement or redirection away from a starting point.

remodel from

Implies reconstruction or redesigning from the initial structure.

morph from

Emphasizes a gradual or subtle change in shape or character.

evolve from

Focuses on a progressive development or unfolding from an earlier form.

derive from

Highlights the source or origin from which something originates or is obtained.

FAQs

How do I use "convert from" in a sentence?

Use "convert from" to describe changing something from one form or system to another, as in "You can "convert from pounds to kilograms"" or "They decided to "convert from analog to digital"".

What's the difference between "convert from" and "change from"?

"Convert from" typically implies a more formal or technical transformation, like "converting from one currency to another", while "change from" is more general and can refer to simpler alterations.

What can I say instead of "convert from"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "transform from", "change over from", or "switch from" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "convert from A to B" or "convert A from B"?

"Convert from A to B" is the standard and grammatically correct construction. "Convert A from B" is less common and can sound awkward.