run into each other

USAGE SUMMARY

'run into each other' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe two people unexpectedly encountering each other. For example, "My friends and I were in the mall when we suddenly ran into each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

run into each other at a hotel.

The New York Times

We still run into each other.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We run into each other so often".

The New York Times

They continued to run into each other at parties.

The New York Times - Style

The pair continued to run into each other at parties.

The New York Times

We run into each other once in a while.

The Guardian

So had they ever run into each other on campus?

The New York Times

We'd run into each other in the lobby.

The New Yorker

Maybe we will run into each other again.

The New York Times

We run into each other at scientific conferences.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They will run into each other and hiding behind the copier is not advisable.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, "run into each other" can effectively set the scene and create narrative tension, particularly if the characters have a complex relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "run into each other" to describe pre-arranged meetings or scheduled events. The phrase implies an element of surprise and lack of prior planning.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "run into each other" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of two or more people meeting unexpectedly. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a common and acceptable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "run into each other" is an idiomatic expression used to describe an unplanned or unexpected meeting. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's most frequently found in News & Media, but also appears in Wiki and Science contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings. When considering alternative phrases, options like "encounter one another" or "meet unexpectedly" offer a more formal tone. Remember, this expression is for surprise encounters, so avoid using it for planned meetings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bump into each other

Similar in meaning, but suggests a more accidental or physical encounter.

come across each other

Similar to "bump into", implying an unplanned discovery.

meet unexpectedly

Emphasizes the unplanned nature of the meeting.

stumble upon one another

Suggests an even more accidental and surprising meeting.

encounter one another

More formal alternative, often used in official or written communication.

cross paths

Emphasizes the coincidental nature of two people's routes intersecting.

chance upon each other

Highlights the element of luck or serendipity in the meeting.

reunite unexpectedly

Implies that the people had met before, but had been separated.

find each other

A more general term for discovering or locating someone, which can sometimes imply an unexpected encounter.

serendipitously meet

Similar to 'chance upon each other', also emphasizes that the encounter was an accidental meeting with a happy outcome.

FAQs

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

The phrase "run into each other" is used to describe an unplanned meeting. For example, "We didn't plan to meet, we just "ran into each other" at the store."

What's a more formal way to say "run into each other"?

For more formal contexts, you could say "encounter one another" or "meet unexpectedly". These phrases lack the casual connotation of "run into each other".

Is it correct to say "run into themselves"?

No, "run into themselves" is not a standard English phrase. "Run into each other" specifically implies a meeting between two or more different people.

What's the difference between "run into each other" and "bump into each other"?

"Bump into each other" suggests a more accidental, and sometimes physical, encounter. "Run into each other" is a more general term for an unplanned meeting, without necessarily implying physical contact.