bump into

USAGE SUMMARY

"bump into" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which two people or objects collide with each other. For example, "I was walking down the street when I suddenly bumped into my old friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People bump into you.

The New York Times - Science

"I bump into people".

The New York Times

I bump into 100 people.

The New York Times

I bump into Yoko in New York.

Independent

If you bump into a boat?

The New York Times - Sports

"You know, we bump into each other.

Independent

They bump into each other.

The New Yorker

I bump into him later.

The Guardian

"We'd bump into each other at events.

The New York Times

And don't bump into each other.

The Guardian - Tech

It's easy to bump into friends".

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bump into" to describe unexpected encounters or collisions, both literal and figurative.

Common error

In formal writing, using words like "encounter", "meet", or "collide" might be more suitable depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "bump into" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, indicating an action performed by a subject encountering something or someone, as shown in Ludwig's examples like "People bump into you" or "I bump into Yoko in New York". It can also function transitively, where someone causes something to collide.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bump into" is a common phrasal verb used to describe either an accidental meeting or a collision. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media, as well as informal contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid using "bump into" in formal writing where more precise terms like "encounter" or "collide" might be more appropriate. Alternatives like "meet by chance" or "run across" can also be used to convey similar meanings in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meet by chance

This phrase highlights the accidental aspect of the meeting.

run across

A more informal way of saying "bump into", suggesting a brief meeting.

come across

Similar to "run across", implying an unplanned meeting or discovery.

encounter unexpectedly

This alternative emphasizes the unplanned nature of the meeting.

chance upon

Similar to "stumble upon", emphasizing the accidental discovery.

stumble upon

This suggests finding someone or something unexpectedly, often implying surprise.

find unexpectedly

Emphasizes the surprise of the encounter or discovery.

cross paths with

This suggests a brief, often unplanned meeting.

meet incidentally

Highlights that the meeting was not the primary intention.

collide with

This emphasizes the physical aspect of the encounter.

FAQs

How can I use "bump into" in a sentence?

You can use "bump into" to describe an unexpected meeting or collision. For example, "I "bumped into" an old friend at the store" or "The car "bumped into" the curb".

What is another way to say "bump into"?

Alternatives to "bump into" include "encounter unexpectedly", "meet by chance", or "run across", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "bump into" in formal writing?

While "bump into" is widely understood, it is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "encounter" or "meet".

What's the difference between "bump into" and "collide with"?

"Bump into" often implies a less forceful impact or a more casual encounter, while "collide with" suggests a more significant and potentially damaging impact. For instance, "I "bumped into" a friend" versus "The cars "collided with" each other".