run into

USAGE SUMMARY

"run into" is correct and usable in written English.
It generally means an unexpected encounter or situation. Here is an example sentence: We ran into our old neighbor while shopping at the store.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Physically run into me.

The New Yorker

Until I run into black.

The New Yorker

I run into the bedroom.

The Economist

Has run into Tory resistance.

Independent

Men run into the shadows.

Independent

I don't run into things.

The New York Times

"I RUN into the bathroom.

The Economist

Run into the woods?

The New Yorker

Other government efforts have run into delays.

The New York Times

Tells about the difficulty they run into.

The New Yorker

That could run into billions of euros.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run into" to describe unexpected meetings or encounters, adding a sense of spontaneity or chance to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "run into" when describing planned or arranged meetings; instead, opt for phrases like "meet with" or "get together with" to indicate intention and purpose.

How to use

Learn how to use "run into" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "run into" functions primarily as a verb of encounter, denoting an unplanned or unexpected meeting. It can also function as a verb of collision or impact. Ludwig highlights these dual functions in its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run into" is a versatile phrasal verb primarily used to describe unplanned encounters or collisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, remember that "run into" implies a lack of planning, distinguishing it from intentional meetings. Consider alternatives like "bump into" or "encounter" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its proper usage and context, you can effectively incorporate "run into" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bump into

Shares the meaning of encountering someone unexpectedly.

meet unexpectedly

Direct synonym emphasizing the surprise element of the encounter.

encounter unexpectedly

Emphasizes the unplanned nature of the meeting.

come across

Similar to finding or meeting someone without prior intention.

meet by chance

Highlights the element of luck or serendipity.

stumble upon

Suggests an accidental discovery or meeting.

collide with

Focuses on the physical aspect of impact or disagreement.

face difficulties

Shifts the meaning to experiencing problems or challenges.

find oneself facing

Indicates encountering a situation, often problematic.

clash with

Implies a conflict or disagreement, rather than a physical collision.

FAQs

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

You can use "run into" to describe an unexpected meeting, such as "I "ran into" an old friend at the grocery store", or to indicate encountering a problem, like "The project "ran into" some unexpected delays".

What's the difference between "run into" and "meet"?

"Meet" usually implies a planned encounter, while "run into" suggests an unplanned or accidental meeting. You meet someone for coffee, but you run into them at the coffee shop.

What can I say instead of "run into"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "bump into", "come across", "encounter", or "collide with".

Is it correct to say "I will run into him tomorrow" if the meeting is prearranged?

No, it is not correct. Saying "I will run into him tomorrow" implies the meeting is accidental. If the meeting is prearranged, use "I will meet him tomorrow".