develop into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop into" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of growth or transformation from one state to another. Example: "Over the years, her interest in painting began to develop into a full-fledged career as an artist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did it develop into something serious?

The New York Times

There the eggs develop into froglets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gametocytes within a mosquito develop into sporozoites.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fertilized eggs develop into swimming larvae.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And Long could develop into one.

The New York Times - Sports

Cyclothymia can develop into the full disorder.

The Guardian

What does their relationship develop into?

The Guardian - Books

This could develop into something rather fun.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We certainly hope it doesn't develop into something stronger.

The Guardian

Maybe he can develop into someone we can hate.

The Guardian - Sport

But he would not let it develop into a fight.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "develop into" to describe a process where something gradually changes and becomes more advanced, complex, or significant over time. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately reflects the nature and direction of the transformation.

Common error

Avoid using "develop into" when a simpler verb like "become" or "turn into" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious. Consider the level of transformation implied; if it's a minor change, a simpler verb is usually more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "develop into" functions primarily as a dynamic verb phrase, describing a process of change or transformation from one state to another. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its proper usage. Examples illustrate its ability to convey gradual progression and significant evolution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "develop into" is a versatile and commonly used expression for describing a process of transformation or growth. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Analysis of its usage reveals its frequent appearance in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, highlighting its utility in describing gradual progression and significant change. While alternatives like "evolve into" or "transform into" exist, "develop into" maintains a balanced tone suitable for diverse writing styles. To ensure clarity and precision, always consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing between "develop into" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evolve into

Emphasizes a gradual transformation over time.

turn into

A common and versatile phrase for indicating a change.

transform into

Highlights a significant change in form or nature.

grow into

Suggests a natural progression or maturation process.

become

A more general term indicating a change in state or condition.

mature into

Specifically refers to reaching a state of full development.

morph into

Implies a more radical or surprising transformation.

metamorphose into

Implies a complete and dramatic change, often used in a biological context.

progress to

Focuses on the advancement or movement towards a new stage.

advance to

Similar to 'progress to' but may indicate a more structured or planned development.

FAQs

How can I use "develop into" in a sentence?

You can use "develop into" to describe a gradual change or transformation. For example, "A hobby can "develop into" a career" or "A small disagreement can "develop into" a serious conflict."

What are some alternatives to "develop into"?

Alternatives include "evolve into", "transform into", "become", or "grow into", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "develop in" instead of "develop into"?

The phrase "develop in" has a different meaning than "develop into". "Develop in" refers to where something is developing, such as "develop in the city", whereas "develop into" refers to what something becomes, such as "develop into an expert".

What's the difference between "develop into" and "turn into"?

"Develop into" suggests a gradual process of growth and change, while "turn into" can imply a more sudden or dramatic transformation. For instance, "The caterpillar "turned into" a butterfly" suggests a relatively quick change, whereas "His interest "developed into" a passion" suggests a longer process.