I run into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I run into" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe encountering someone or something unexpectedly or by chance. Example: "I often run into old friends when I visit my hometown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Until I run into black.

The New Yorker

I run into the bedroom.

The Economist

"I RUN into the bathroom.

The Economist

I run into them all the time.

The New York Times

I run into Moyer at Josh Slocum's.

The New York Times - Magazine

I run into another friend, Seb.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But there is another reaction I run into.

The New Yorker

OFTEN, I run into pets in people's homes.

The New York Times

"If I run into him, obviously," Schneider said.

The New York Times - Sports

Here's just a few I run into regularly..

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As a college coach, I run into unrealistic expectations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I run into" to describe spontaneous or unplanned encounters with people or situations. This phrase works well in narrative contexts where the element of surprise is important.

Common error

Avoid using "run into" when describing a physical collision with an object. Instead, use "collide with" or "bump into" for such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I run into" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating an action performed by the subject (I). It describes the act of encountering someone or something unexpectedly. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I run into" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to describe unexpected encounters, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and media. While "I bump into", "I come across", and "I encounter" serve as viable alternatives, it's important to use "collide with" for physical collisions. Be aware, that this phrase is suitable in storytelling and narrative contexts where the unplanned nature of an encounter is crucial to the message. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's consistent application in expressing chance meetings and unanticipated events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I bump into

An informal and direct synonym, implying a physical encounter.

I come across

Similar meaning, implying discovery or chance encounter.

I encounter

A more formal alternative, suggesting a meeting or confrontation.

I stumble upon

Implies a more accidental or unplanned discovery.

I chance upon

Highlights the element of luck or randomness in the encounter.

I happen to meet

Emphasizes the unplanned nature of meeting someone.

I meet unexpectedly

Directly states the surprise element of the meeting.

I meet by chance

Focuses on the serendipitous nature of the meeting.

I cross paths with

Suggests a brief or incidental meeting.

I discover

Implies finding something new, whether a person or an object.

FAQs

What does "I run into" mean?

The phrase "I run into" means to encounter someone or something unexpectedly or by chance. It often implies a brief or unplanned meeting.

What can I say instead of "I run into"?

You can use alternatives like "I bump into", "I come across", or "I encounter" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I run into"?

Yes, it is correct and commonly used. According to Ludwig AI, it is a standard phrase to describe an unplanned encounter.

How do I use "I run into" in a sentence?

You can use "I run into" to describe meeting someone unexpectedly, like, "I often "bump into" old friends when I visit my hometown".