The phrase "turns into" consists of two words with different sounds that join to form a single unit. The initial syllable "turns" is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɜr/ as in "bird". The second syllable "into" is pronounced with the diphthong /ɪn tu/. This word follows the conventional spelling rules of English and exhibits case of the unvoiced /t/ sound which can be found at the beginning of most syllables that begin with a vowel sound.
"Turns into" is a phrasal verb that refers to the process of transformation or conversion of something or someone into a different form or state. It implies the act of changing completely or undergoing a noticeable shift.
When an object, substance, or living being "turns into" something else, it means that it goes through a significant alteration, physically or metaphorically. This change might be temporary or permanent, and it can occur in various contexts such as nature, science, literature, or personal experiences.
In nature, for example, a caterpillar "turns into" a butterfly through the process of metamorphosis. This transformation involves physical changes of the caterpillar's body, including the formation of wings, enabling it to fly. Similarly, water "turns into" steam when heated, changing its state from a liquid to a gaseous form.
In literature or storytelling, "turns into" is frequently used to describe a character's shift in personality or behavior. For instance, a protagonist might start as a shy and introverted individual but "turns into" a confident and assertive person as the story progresses.
Overall, "turns into" denotes a transformation that results in a noticeable and often significant change. It signifies a shift from one state, form, or condition to another, implying a process of evolution, conversion, or development.
The etymology of the phrase "turns into" can be understood by examining the origins of its individual components.
1. Turn: The word "turn" originated from Middle English "turnen", which dates back to the 13th century. It derived from the Old English word "tyrnan", meaning "to turn or revolve". Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "tornijaną" and the Proto-Indo-European base "*der-", both denoting the concept of turning or twisting.
2. Into: The word "into" comes from Middle English "into", which is a contraction of the phrase "in to". In Old English, it was written as "intō", combining the preposition "in" with the preposition "tō" meaning "to" or "toward".