convert
B2Formal and informal, widely used across contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To change something into a different form, or to change from one belief, system, or purpose to another.
In sports, to successfully score extra points after a touchdown; in finance, to exchange one form of asset for another; in computing, to change a file from one format to another; to persuade someone to adopt a different belief.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, it can be transitive (convert something) or intransitive (convert to something). The stress pattern differs between verb (conVERT) and noun (CONvert). The noun often refers to a person who has changed beliefs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American English, 'convert' is commonly used in American football ('convert the extra point'). In British English, this usage is rare. The noun form referring to a person is slightly more common in religious contexts in BrE.
Connotations
Generally similar. In both, 'convert' can have neutral (file conversion), positive (religious enlightenment), or negative (forced conversion) connotations depending on context.
Frequency
Higher frequency in AmE due to sports terminology. In BrE, 'change' or 'transform' might be more common in everyday speech for some meanings.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Sb] convert [sth] (into/to [sth])[Sb] convert to [sth][Sth] converts [sth] into [sth]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Preach to the converted”
- “A convert to the cause”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
We need to convert these leads into paying customers. The company converted its debt into equity.
Academic
The study aimed to convert qualitative observations into quantitative data. Early missionaries sought to convert indigenous populations.
Everyday
I need to convert this recipe from cups to grams. He converted the spare room into a home office.
Technical
The software converts RAW image files to JPEG. The enzyme converts starch into sugar.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- He was a recent convert to the political party.
- The missionary spoke to the converts.
American English
- She is a new convert to our fitness program.
- The preacher welcomed the converts into the church.
verb
British English
- They hope to convert the old theatre into flats.
- He converted to Buddhism after his travels.
- The try was not converted.
American English
- We converted the garage into a rental unit.
- She converted to a plant-based diet last year.
- The quarterback failed to convert on third down.
adverb
British English
- This is not a convertibly held belief.
American English
- The assets are not convertibly traded.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Can you convert this money into euros?
- I want to convert my photo to black and white.
- The company plans to convert the factory to solar power.
- She converted to Islam after years of study.
- We must convert our ambitious goals into concrete actions.
- He was a convert to the cause of environmental protection.
- The algorithm seamlessly converts complex analog signals into digital data streams.
- Her eloquent speech did little to convert the staunch opponents of the policy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CON' (with) and 'VERT' (to turn) – to turn with something towards a new form.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE IS A JOURNEY (convert to a new faith), IDEAS ARE OBJECTS (convert someone to your way of thinking), FORM IS A CONTAINER (convert data from one format to another).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'конвертировать' for all meanings; 'преобразовывать', 'переводить', 'обращать' are often better. 'Конверт' in Russian is an envelope, not related to 'convert'.
- In religious contexts, 'обращать в веру' is more accurate than 'конвертировать'.
- For 'convert a try' (rugby), use 'реализовать попытку'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'convert' without necessary preposition (e.g., 'convert PDF' instead of 'convert a PDF to Word').
- Confusing verb stress (conVERT) with noun stress (CONvert).
- Using 'convert' for simple changes where 'change' is sufficient.
Practice
Quiz
In American football, what does 'convert' specifically mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Convert' implies a change from one form, system, or purpose to another, often with a specific end product in mind. 'Change' is more general. 'Transform' suggests a more dramatic or complete change in nature or appearance.
Often, yes. Common patterns are 'convert to/into something' (for the result) and 'convert from something' (for the origin). In some contexts (computing, finance), the preposition can be implied but is often still used.
It is neutral-register but can be used in highly formal (theological, scientific) and very informal (tech, sports) contexts. Its perceived formality depends on the specific context and collocation.
Yes, but caution is needed. As a verb ('to convert someone'), it can imply persuasion to a religion, opinion, or cause. As a noun ('a convert'), it specifically refers to a person who has changed beliefs, often religious. Using it outside of this context (e.g., 'a convert to a brand') is metaphorical.