Phrasal verbs "run in" vs "run to"

Differences between run in and run to

Run in usually means to enter a place quickly or to have a short visit, whereas run to generally means to go to someone or something for help or support.

Meanings and Definitions: run in vs run to

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 to

  • 1Go to someone for help.

    Whenever he gets into debt, he RUNS TO his parents for help.

  • 2Include in things you like.

    His musical tastes RUN TO the Residents, who are hated by most people.

  • 3Have enough money to buy something, often negative.

    Things are a bit tight and won't RUN TO going abroad for a holiday.

Usage Examples: run in, run to 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 to

Example

Whenever she has a problem, she runs to her best friend for advice.

Example

He always runs to his parents when he needs money.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run in

To visit someone briefly or unexpectedly.

Example

I'm going to pop in at my friend's house to drop off her birthday gift.

To visit someone briefly or informally.

Example

I'm going to drop by the library to return some books before heading home.

To visit someone briefly or make a quick stop at a place.

Example

I'm going to stop by the store to grab some milk on my way home.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run to

To go to someone or something for help or support.

Example

When she lost her job, she had no choice but to turn to her family for financial assistance.

To depend on someone or something for help or support.

Example

He knew he could rely on his best friend to help him move to his new apartment.

To actively look for someone or something for help or support.

Example

She decided to seek out a therapist to help her deal with her anxiety.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “in”

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

Differences in run in vs run to: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: run in or run to?

In daily conversation, people use run to more often than run in. This is because run to is used when we need help or support from someone or something. Run in is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about entering a place quickly or having a short visit. So, while both phrases are used, run to is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of run in and run to

Run in and run to 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 to

The tone of run in and run to can differ based on context. Run in often carries an energetic or hurried tone when related to entering a place or visiting someone briefly, while run to typically has a concerned or desperate tone, especially when referring to seeking help or support.

run in & run to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Run to

Synonyms

  • turn to
  • seek help from
  • rely on
  • depend on
  • resort to
  • appeal to
  • reach out to

Antonyms

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