flow into

USAGE SUMMARY

"flow into" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that moved from one place to another over time or naturally: "The floodwaters flowed into the valley, wreaking havoc on the local farmlands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The flow into old watercourses is negligible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This would just flow into lunch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It does not flow into the Pool.

The New York Times

Refugees flow into bordering countries and then across the globe.

The New York Times

It should flow into the ear without logjams.

The Guardian - Books

Easing it means more loans can flow into the economy.

The Guardian

At first, events flow into each other plausibly.

The Guardian - Film

"We're seeing money flow into areas entailing more risk.

The New York Times

One job seems to flow into the next.

The New York Times

Workers and capital continue to flow into the United States.

The New York Times

We should revise the force flow into Iraq accordingly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flow into" to describe movement, connection, or transition, especially when depicting a natural or continuous process. For instance, use it to illustrate how one idea connects to another in writing or how resources move from one area to another in economics.

Common error

While "flow into" can be used metaphorically, avoid applying it too broadly in abstract contexts where more precise verbs might be suitable. Overusing it in these situations can dilute its impact and make your writing less specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "flow into" primarily functions as a descriptor of movement or transition, often indicating the passage of something—be it a liquid, idea, or resource—from one location or state to another. Ludwig provides examples of its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

24%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "flow into" is a versatile expression used to describe movement, transition, or influence. It's grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Related phrases include "drain into", "pour into", and "merge into", each offering a slightly different nuance. When writing, it's best to use "flow into" to depict continuous processes and avoid overuse in abstract contexts. Remember the core function and purpose of the phrase to ensure clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drain into

Emphasizes the process of liquid or other substances being drawn into a particular location.

pour into

Suggests a rapid and abundant movement of something into a space or situation.

merge into

Implies a blending or combining of two or more things into one.

feed into

Highlights the way one thing contributes to or supports another.

lead to

Focuses on the consequence or result of something progressing into a certain state.

transition to

Highlights a smooth shift or change into another state or condition.

converge on

Indicates multiple things coming together to meet at a single point or focus.

empty into

Describes the direct transfer of contents from one container or area to another.

funnel into

Suggests a directed or guided movement into a specific point or area.

discharge into

Highlights the release or emission of something into a specific location.

FAQs

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

You can use "flow into" to describe the movement of liquids, ideas, money, or other things from one place or state to another. For example: "The river "flows into" the sea" or "Donations "flow into" the charity's fund."

What are some synonyms for "flow into"?

Some synonyms for "flow into" include "drain into", "pour into", "merge into", and "feed into". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, "flow into" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing processes or connections. However, ensure that the context and tone are suitable for the overall piece.

How does the meaning of "flow into" differ from "feed into"?

"Flow into" typically describes a more direct and continuous movement, while "feed into" often suggests a contributing or causative relationship. For example, "Smaller streams "flow into" the river" (direct movement) versus "Low wages "feed into" poverty" (contributing cause).