The phrasal verb "run into" has several meanings, including:
The meaning is semi-idiomatic. While "run" and "into" have their own literal meanings, the combination creates new, distinct meanings that are not simply the sum of their parts.
The register is generally neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although some usages might be more common in specific settings.
The grammatical pattern for "run into" varies depending on the intended meaning:
run into + noun/pronoun (person). Example: "I ran into my old friend."run into + noun (object). Example: "I don't run into things."run into + noun (problem/difficulty/resistance). Example: "They had run into an ambush."run into + number/currency. Example: "That could run into billions of euros."The components of "run into" cannot be separated. It's a phrasal verb that functions as a single unit. Saying "run John into" instead of "run into John" is unnatural.
It sounds unnatural to use the wrong preposition (e.g., "run at" instead of "run into" when meaning to encounter a problem) or to use an object that doesn't fit the context (e.g., "run into happiness" is unusual; "run into problems" is more common).
"I don't run into things." — The New York Times
"Other government efforts have run into delays." — The New York Times
"They had run into an ambush." — The New York Times
"That could run into billions of euros." — The Economist
"ME: You run into the coolest people." — The New Yorker
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/run+into
| Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| bump into | Informal alternative for meeting someone unexpectedly. |
| encounter | More formal alternative for meeting someone or experiencing something. |
| meet unexpectedly | More descriptive and neutral. |
| come across | Similar to "run into," but can also mean to find something. |
| face | Used when referring to confronting a problem or difficulty. |
| total | Use to replace the meaning of reaching a certain amount. |
| meet with | To formally encounter something. |
| Expression | Meaning | Grammatical Pattern | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| run into | Meet unexpectedly, collide with, experience difficulties, reach a certain amount | run into + noun/pronoun | Neutral |
No, the parts of "run into" cannot be separated. It's a phrasal verb that must stay together to maintain its meaning. For example, you would say "I ran into John," not "I ran John into."
Both "run into" and "come across" can mean to meet someone or find something unexpectedly. However, "come across" often implies finding something more passively, while "run into" can suggest a more active or coincidental encounter.
Remember that "run into" means to meet someone unexpectedly or encounter a problem, while "run over" means to hit something with a vehicle. Pay attention to the context to understand the intended meaning and avoid this common mistake.
Tools