protrude into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "protrude into" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that extends or projects into a space or area. Example: "The branches of the tree protrude into the pathway, making it difficult to walk through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both stove and refrigerator protrude into the narrow space.

The New York Times

Some jutting tongues of floating ice, where riverlike glaciers protrude into the sea, are rapidly thinning.

The New York Times - Science

Also, be sure the work doesn't protrude into an easement or right of way.

The New York Times

Cilia normally protrude into the kidney tubules and bend in the urine flow.

The New York Times - Science

And it would not permit a permanent horseshoe of steel and glass to protrude into the canyon.

The New York Times - Arts

The barely indicated knees bemuse; given a chair jammed up to the picture plane, they should protrude into the room.

The New Yorker

The muscular cloaca of the male caecilian, however, can be everted (turned outward) to protrude into that of the female.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nor would he replace the U-shaped ledges that protrude into the central circle around the fountain, something the plans also call for.

The New York Times

And, it is not yet known whether the test can detect relatively rare but more deadly flat adenomas that don't protrude into the opening of the colon.

The New York Times - Health

The city sits atop two hills, Al-Ashrafīyah (East Beirut) and Al-Muṣayṭibah (West Beirut), that protrude into the sea as a roughly triangular peninsula.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other displacements apply the formula in reverse, as when Mr. Nishi has turned arcing streetlights so that they protrude into adjacent apartments, providing indoor lighting.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, use "protrude into" to clearly indicate the direction and extent of the object's extension. This provides a vivid and precise mental image for the reader.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "protrude into" in casual conversation can sound overly formal or technical. Opt for simpler alternatives like "stick out into" or "extend into" for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "protrude into" functions primarily to describe something that extends or projects outwards to occupy a space within something else. It vividly conveys the image of an object's pointed or extended presence, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "protrude into" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb that describes something extending into a specific space. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its validity and wide application, especially in scientific and journalistic contexts. While versatile, its formal tone makes it more suitable for technical or descriptive writing than for casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "extend into" or "stick out into" for more informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extend into

This alternative emphasizes the act of reaching or stretching inward.

project into

This phrase highlights the act of something jutting out and reaching a space within.

intrude upon

This alternative suggests entering a space without permission or welcome.

jut into

This option means to stick out or extend sharply.

encroach upon

This suggests gradually trespassing on someone else's property or space.

penetrate into

Implies the action of entering or piercing something.

invade into

Suggests entering a space aggressively or harmfully.

pierce through

This emphasizes creating a hole or passing through something entirely.

infringe on

This phrase suggests violating or trespassing on boundaries.

trespass upon

Indicates unlawfully entering or occupying someone else's property or space.

FAQs

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

You can use "protrude into" to describe something extending or projecting into a space. For example, "The branches of the tree "protrude into" the pathway."

What are some synonyms for "protrude into"?

Some alternatives to "protrude into" include "extend into", "project into", or "jut into", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "protrude into" or "stick out into"?

While both are grammatically correct, "protrude into" is more formal. Use "stick out into" in informal settings and "protrude into" for technical or descriptive writing.

How does "protrude into" differ from "intrude upon"?

"Protrude into" describes a physical extension without necessarily implying negativity. "Intrude upon", on the other hand, suggests an unwelcome or disruptive entry into a space or situation.