Differences between run in and run into
Run in usually means to have a brief or unexpected encounter with someone, especially law enforcement, whereas run into generally means to meet someone unexpectedly or to collide with something.
Meanings and Definitions: run in vs run into
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
Run into
- 1Cost.
The project has RUN INTO millions of dollars without any prospect of a return on this investment.
- 2Meet by accident.
IRAN INTO James in a bar in the City on Friday.
Usage Examples: run in, run into in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
run in
Example
The police ran in the suspect for questioning.
Example
She runs in the new car carefully to avoid damaging the engine.
run into
Example
I run into my old friend at the grocery store.
Example
She runs into her neighbor while walking her dog.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run in
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run into
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “run”
Phrasal Verbs with “into”
Differences in run in vs run into: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: run in or run into?
In daily conversation, people use run into more often than run in. This is because run into is used for more common situations like meeting someone unexpectedly or accidentally colliding with an object. Run in is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about a brief or unexpected encounter with law enforcement. So, while both phrases are used, run into is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of run in and run into
Run in and run into 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 run in and run into
The tone of run in and run into can differ based on context. Run in often carries a negative or apprehensive tone when related to law enforcement, while run into typically has a neutral or positive tone, especially when referring to meeting someone unexpectedly or discovering something new.
