Differences between look in and run in
Look in means to visit someone briefly, usually at their home or office, while run in means to encounter someone unexpectedly or by chance.
Meanings and Definitions: look in vs run in
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Look in
- 1Make a quick visit.
I'll LOOK IN on my way home.
Run in
- 1Arrest, take to police station for questioning.
They RAN him IN last night.
- 2Drive a new car carefully in order not to damage the engine
She RAN the car IN for a thousand miles.
- 3Pay a casual visit.
We RAN IN and chatted for an hour.
- 4Insert.
He RAN a graph IN next to the text.
Usage Examples: look in, run in in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
look in
Example
I will look in on my way home from work.
Example
She looks in on her elderly neighbor every day.
run in
Example
The police ran in the suspect for questioning.
Example
She runs in the new car carefully to avoid damaging the engine.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look in
swing by
To visit someone briefly and informally, usually at their home or office.
Example
I'm going to swing by the store to pick up some groceries before heading home.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run in
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “look”
Phrasal Verbs with “run”
Differences in look in vs run in: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: look in or run in?
In daily conversation, people use run in more often than look in. This is because run in can happen spontaneously and unexpectedly, while look in requires planning and intention. Look in is not used as much in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of look in and run in
Look in and run in are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of look in and run in
The tone of look in and run in can differ based on context. Look in often carries a friendly or polite tone when related to visiting someone, while run in typically has a neutral or surprised tone, especially when referring to encountering someone unexpectedly.
