What are the definitions of “bump into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Meet by chance.
I BUMPED INTO Helen on the underground the other day.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bump into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bump into is to meet someone unexpectedly or by chance. It often refers to a surprise encounter with someone you know, such as a friend or acquaintance.
What are the different verb forms of “bump into”?
| Root Verb | bump into |
| Third Person Singular Present | bumps into |
| Present Participle | bumping into |
| Simple Past | bumped into |
| Past Participle | bumped into |
Example
Yesterday, I bumped into my old classmate at the grocery store.
Example
She often bumps into her neighbors while walking her dog.
Example
I keep bumping into people I know while traveling.
Example
Last week, he bumped into his favorite celebrity at the airport.
Example
I have bumped into several old friends since moving back to my hometown.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bump into”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“bump into” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
I bumped into my old teacher at the bookstore.
Example
She bumped into her ex-boyfriend at the party.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“bump into” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I bumped into my old teacher at the bookstore.
Example
She bumped into her ex-boyfriend at the party.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bump into”?
Good things to know
Does “bump into” have an informal or formal tone?
Bump into is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, you might use alternatives such as 'encounter' or 'run into'.
