What are the definitions of “run into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “run into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb run into is to meet someone unexpectedly or by accident. It can also mean to encounter a problem or difficulty.
What are the different verb forms of “run into”?
| Root Verb | run into |
| Third Person Singular Present | runs into |
| Present Participle | running into |
| Simple Past | ran into |
| Past Participle | run into |
Example
I run into my old friend at the grocery store.
Example
She runs into her neighbor while walking her dog.
Example
He is running into some issues with his computer.
Example
Yesterday, they ran into a traffic jam on the highway.
Example
I have run into several old classmates at the reunion.
What kind of phrasal verb is “run 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
“run 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 ran into my old teacher at the bookstore.
Example
The project ran into some unexpected costs.
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
“run 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 ran into my old teacher at the bookstore.
Example
The project ran into some unexpected costs.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “run into”?
To face opposition or reluctance from others.
Example
The new policy ran into resistance from the employees who disagreed with the changes.
Good things to know
Does “run into” have an informal or formal tone?
Run into is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions, depending on the specific context.
