convert

/kənˈvɜːt/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈvɜːrt/ (ame, ipa) · /kən-ˈvərt/ (ame, mw) · /ˈkɒn.vɜːt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɑːn.vɝːt/ (ame, ipa)

convert — verb

  • convertpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • convertshe / she / it
  • convertedpast simple
  • converting-ing form

1. to cause something to take a new shape or serve a new purpose; or for something

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to cause something to take a new shape or serve a new purpose; or for something itself to take a different form through such a change

例句

Anjali converted the spare bedroom into a home office for her new job.

convert + noun + into + noun (changing a space)

The old factory was converted into a community art centre with help from local volunteers.

同義詞
  • transform

    implies a more dramatic or complete change, often in appearance or nature

  • modify

    suggests small adjustments rather than a full change of form or purpose

  • adapt

    emphasises making something suitable for a new use without necessarily changing its basic form

反義詞
  • preserve

    keeping something in its original state instead of changing it

  • maintain

    keeping something as it is rather than converting it

文法句型

convert + noun + into + noun

convert + noun + to + noun

convert + from + noun + to + noun

noun + converts + into + noun (intransitive)

用法筆記

Often paired with 'into' or 'to' to show the result. The intransitive use ('the sofa converts into a bed') is less common but still frequent in product descriptions.

常見錯誤

❌She converted the spare room to became a study.
✅She converted the spare room into a study.
💡Use 'into' (not 'to became') after 'convert' when describing the result of a physical change.
❌The program converts the file from Word to PDF format.
✅The program converts the file from Word to PDF.
💡Dropping 'format' makes the sentence more natural; 'convert from X to Y' is sufficient without adding redundant nouns.

2. to start following a different religion, belief system, or viewpoint; or to caus

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to start following a different religion, belief system, or viewpoint; or to cause another person to make such a change

例句

Sirin converted to Buddhism after visiting a temple in Kyoto with her grandmother.

convert to [religion] (changing faith)

Harper tried to convert her friends to her new diet plan by sharing recipes.

convert + someone + to + [belief/system]

同義詞
  • change

    more general and less committed — you can change your opinion without fully converting

  • switch

    informal, often used for changing brands or teams rather than deep beliefs

  • proselytise

    formal and specifically means actively trying to convert others, usually in a religious context

反義詞
  • remain

    staying with one's current beliefs rather than adopting new ones

  • stick with

    informal, meaning to continue holding the same opinion or faith

文法句型

convert + to + noun

convert + from + noun + to + noun

convert + noun + to + noun

用法筆記

The intransitive form ('She converted to Islam') is far more common in everyday use. The transitive form ('He converted his entire family') often sounds formal or slightly forceful.

常見錯誤

❌He converted his religion to Buddhism.
✅He converted to Buddhism.
💡You convert to a religion; you do not 'convert your religion.' The verb already includes the idea of personal change.

3. to earn additional points following a primary score in certain sports — such as

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

to earn additional points following a primary score in certain sports — such as kicking a rugby conversion through the posts, making a free throw in basketball, or finishing a bowling frame with a spare

例句

Jenna converted the free throw with confidence, tying the game with three seconds left.

convert + a + free throw (basketball)

The rugby player converted the try by kicking the ball between the goal posts.

同義詞
  • score

    more general — you can score in many ways, not only as extra points after another score

  • sink

    informal, used mainly for basketball free throws or golf putts

  • make

    informal and general — 'make the free throw' or 'make the spare'

反義詞
  • miss

    failing to score the extra points

  • drop

    informal, especially for dropping a pass or failing to catch in American football context

文法句型

convert + a + free throw

convert + a + try

convert + a + spare

convert + a + penalty shot

convert + the + extra point

用法筆記

This sense is highly sport-specific. In rugby, a 'conversion' is worth 2 extra points after a try. In American football, it is usually an extra-point kick after a touchdown. In basketball, a 'converted free throw' is a successful shot from the foul line. In bowling, converting a spare means knocking down all remaining pins in the second roll.

convert — noun