Differences between run into and run up
Run into means to meet someone unexpectedly or to collide with something, while run up means to accumulate or increase a debt or bill.
Meanings and Definitions: run into vs run up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
Run up
- 1Move quickly to where someone is.
He RAN UP next to me and started shouting.
- 2Hoist, raise a flag.
They RAN UP the Union Jack.
- 3Do or make something very quickly.
He RAN UP a few examples for them to look at.
- 4Spend a lot of money on credit.
He RAN UP a lot of bills at the hotel.
Usage Examples: run into, run up 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 up
Example
She ran up a list of potential candidates for the job.
Example
He runs up the stairs to catch the bus.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run into
To come across or face a problem or situation unexpectedly.
Example
We encountered some difficulties during our road trip, but we managed to overcome them.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Run up
rack up
To accumulate or increase a debt or bill.
Example
He racked up a huge credit card debt by overspending on unnecessary things.
To become liable or subject to a debt or expense.
Example
By not paying his bills on time, he incurred late fees and interest charges.
build up
To gradually accumulate or increase something, such as a debt or savings.
Example
She built up a substantial savings account by saving a small amount of money each month.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “run”
Phrasal Verbs with “up”
Differences in run into vs run up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: run into or run up?
Both run into and run up are commonly used in everyday conversation, but run into is more frequently used than run up. This is because run into can be used in various situations, such as meeting someone by chance or encountering a problem unexpectedly. On the other hand, run up is mainly used when talking about financial matters.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of run into and run up
Run into and run up are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, run up may be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts when discussing financial matters.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of run into and run up
The tone of run into and run up can differ based on context. Run into often carries a surprised or happy tone when meeting someone unexpectedly, while run up typically has a negative or worried tone when referring to accumulating debt or bills.
run into & run up: Synonyms and Antonyms
Run into
Synonyms
- encounter
- meet
- face
- experience
- bump into
- chance upon
- come across
- stumble upon
