Turns to and into

[F.K]

Hi,
What is the difference between turn to and turn into? For example:
Water turns into steam when you boil it.
Water turns to ice when you freeze it.
These two examples were quoted from an English text book.
Thank you :)

[Casiopea]

In that context, "to" is short for "into".

Water turns into steam when you boil it.
Water turns (in)to ice when you freeze it.

Note, "to" isn't always synonymous with "into". "turn into" means, to change shape/form, character, even direction:

[1] He turned into a vampire. (change shape/form)
[2] He turned into a mean person. (change character)
[3] Turn into this parking lot. (change direction)

"turn to" means, look to, rely on:

[1] They always turn to me for help. (look to, rely on)

Hope that helps.

[Casiopea]

Additionally,

[1] They always turn to stone when asked a question.
(i.e., they freeze up)

[2] They always turn to Mr. Stone when asked a question.
(i.e., they rely on Mr. Stone for help or advice.

"turn to" + animate object (a person) = rely on
"turn to" + inaminate object (a thing) = change

Animate: They turn to him for help.
("turn to" means, rely on)

Inanimate: They turn to water.
("turn to" means, change shape/form)