1 A2 neutral
To change and become something entirely different in form or nature.
"The caterpillar turns into a butterfly after weeks in its cocoon."
inseparable
turn into
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
To change and become something different in nature, form, or character.
In plain English
To change and become a completely different thing — like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.
What does "turn into" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To cause someone or something to be transformed into a different state or form.
"Years of hard work turned him into one of the country's leading scientists."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
(figurative) Of a situation: to change and develop into something else, often unexpectedly.
"What started as a small protest turned into a nationwide movement."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To rotate so as to move inside or enter a new state.
Actually means
To change and become a completely different thing — like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.
Usage tip
Used for both physical transformations (water turns into ice) and more figurative ones (a argument turns into a fight). Very common in fairy tales and fantasy. Also used transitively: 'a wizard turns a prince into a frog'.
Words that pair with "turn into"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
nightmare reality disaster success habit monster
How to conjugate "turn into"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
turn into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
turns into
he/she/it
Past simple
turned into
yesterday
Past participle
turned into
have + pp
-ing form
turning into
continuous
Hear "turn into" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "turn into" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.