Phrasal verbs "run into" vs "run to"

Differences between run into and run to

Run into means to unexpectedly meet someone or something, while run to means to go quickly towards someone or something for help or protection.

Meanings and Definitions: run into vs run to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Run into

• 1. Cost.

  The project has RUN INTO millions of dollars without any prospect of a return on this investment.

• 2. Meet by accident.

  IRAN INTO James in a bar in the City on Friday.

Run to

• 1. Go to someone for help.

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

• 2. Include in things you like.

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

• 3. Have 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 into, run to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

run into

Example

I run into my old friend at the grocery store.

Example

She runs into her neighbor while walking her dog.

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 into

bump into

To accidentally meet someone unexpectedly.

Example

I bumped into my old friend from high school at the grocery store.

come across

To find or discover something by chance.

Example

While hiking, we came across a beautiful waterfall hidden in the forest.

stumble upon

To find or discover something by accident or chance.

Example

While browsing the internet, I stumbled upon an interesting article about space exploration.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run to

seek refuge

To go to a place or person for protection or safety.

Example

During the storm, we sought refuge in the basement until it passed.

turn to

To go to someone or something for help or advice.

Example

When facing a difficult decision, she turned to her best friend for guidance.

appeal to

To ask for help or support from someone or something.

Example

The charity organization appealed to the public for donations to help those affected by the natural disaster.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “run”

• run around
• run up against
• run across
• run out of
• run out

Phrasal Verbs with “into”

• put into
• see into
• drill into
• luck into
• creep into

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

• cater to
• get to
• relate to
• stretch to
• key to

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

Frequency in Daily Use: run into or run to?

In daily conversation, people use run into more often than run to. This is because run into can be used in a variety of situations, such as meeting someone unexpectedly on the street or encountering a problem. Run to is less common and is mainly used when seeking help or protection from someone or something.

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

Run into 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 into and run to

The tone of run into and run to can differ based on context. Run into often carries a surprised or curious tone when related to meeting someone or something unexpectedly, while run to typically has a urgent and desperate tone, especially when referring to seeking help or protection.

run into & run to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Run into

Synonyms

• encounter
• meet
• face
• experience
• bump into
• chance upon
• come across
• stumble upon

Antonyms

• avoid
• dodge
• evade
• miss
• sidestep
• steer clear of

Run to

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

• avoid
• shun
• ignore
• neglect
• abandon
• reject
• fend for oneself