transform

transform — verb

1. to make such a big change in the look, form, or character of a person or thing t

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to make such a big change in the look, form, or character of a person or thing that they become very different, often much better

例句

Salma's new haircut transformed her appearance so much that her friends did not recognize her.

collocation: transform + appearance

The old warehouse was transformed into a modern art gallery with bright white walls.

passive: be transformed into [new space]

同義詞
  • convert

    more technical; suggests a change of function (e.g., convert a sofa into a bed) rather than appearance

  • overhaul

    more dramatic; implies taking something apart and rebuilding it, often with effort

  • revolutionize

    stronger; suggests a sweeping, fundamental change that affects an entire system or field

反義詞
  • preserve

    keep something in its original state, the opposite of changing it

  • maintain

    keep something the same rather than altering it

文法句型

transform + object + into + noun

be transformed into + noun

transform + object

用法筆記

Commonly used in the pattern 'transform [object] into [new form]'. Frequently appears in passive voice when the focus is on the result rather than the person or thing making the change.

常見錯誤

❌The city has transformed' (unclear whether the city changed itself or was changed by someone).
✅The city has been transformed' or 'The city has transformed itself.
💡Without context, the bare intransitive form can be ambiguous; use the passive or reflexive for clarity.

2. to change the physical structure or state of something so that it becomes a diff

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to change the physical structure or state of something so that it becomes a different form, without necessarily improving it

例句

Caterpillars transform into butterflies inside a cocoon over several weeks.

transform + into [new form] (natural process)

When water is heated to one hundred degrees, it transforms into steam.

transform + into [different state] (science)

同義詞
  • convert

    more technical; suggests a functional or chemical change rather than a natural one

  • metamorphose

    biological or dramatic; specifically about a complete change of physical form

  • transmute

    formal or alchemical; suggests a change of fundamental substance or nature

反義詞
  • remain

    stay in the same form or state

文法句型

transform + into + noun

transform + object + into + noun

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1 (CHANGE COMPLETELY), this sense does not imply improvement — it simply describes a change from one form or state to another. Often used in scientific and natural contexts.

常見錯誤

❌The caterpillar transformed to a butterfly.
✅The caterpillar transformed into a butterfly.
💡'Transform into' is the standard pattern; 'transform to' is rarely used and sounds unnatural.

transform — noun