RUN INTO

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'run into' means to meet someone by chance, encounter difficulties, or collide with something unexpectedly in a literal or figurative sense.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'run into' means to meet someone by chance, encounter difficulties, or collide with something unexpectedly in a literal or figurative sense.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
'Run into' cannot be split by other words.
Register
Neutral
The phrase is suitable for both casual and formal settings.
Transitive
Yes
The verb requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple run into I often run into old friends at the cafe.
Past Simple ran into Yesterday, I ran into my professor at the bookstore.
Present Continuous running into She is always running into trouble with her car.
Present Perfect have run into We have run into issues with the project's timeline.

💡 When to Use

Unexpected meetings
Use when you unexpectedly come across someone you know or a situation you didn't plan for.
Example: "I ran into my cousin at the airport."
Facing problems
Use when describing encountering difficulties or obstacles that arise suddenly and require attention.
Example: "The project ran into budget issues."
Physical collisions
Use when describing a literal collision between people or objects in an unexpected manner.
Example: "He ran into the door while rushing out."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement
❌ Wrong: I ran yesterday into John.
✅ Correct: I ran into John yesterday.
💡 Tip: Ensure the object follows 'run into'.
Wrong preposition
❌ Wrong: She ran onto an old friend.
✅ Correct: She ran into an old friend.
💡 Tip: Remember, we 'run into', not 'onto'.
Using as separable
❌ Wrong: He ran math into trouble.
✅ Correct: He ran into trouble with math.
💡 Tip: 'Run into' should stay together.
Practice

RUN INTO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

encounter collide with

Antonyms

avoid

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"They were surprised to ___ into such a famous actor at the gala."

bounce
run into
fly
skip

"When you run into obstacles, remember that each challenge offers a chance to learn and strengthen your resolve beyond imagination."

In Context

In the early 1800s, explorer John Franklin embarked on an Arctic expedition that would become legendary. As his crew ventured into the icy waters of the Canadian Arctic, they soon ran into unforeseen challenges. A massive ice barrier stalled their progress, and the bitter cold bit at their resolve. Supplies were dwindling, yet their motivation remained intact. They often ran into treacherous weather conditions that left them stranded for days. Franklin aimed to find the Northwest Passage, a mystical sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Throughout the expedition, Franklin ran into more than just harsh weather; he encountered problems with morale among his men and deteriorating health conditions. Some crew members succumbed to the freezing temperatures, testing the resilience of those who remained. By 1845, sources reveal that his crew, pushed to the limits of human endurance, ran into their most formidable foe: starvation. Despite their best efforts, the expedition ended in tragedy, but it ignited interest and future exploration of the Arctic. Posthumous discoveries of artifacts and skeletal remains have shed light on their plight, immortalizing their incredible resilience and sacrifice. Franklin's journey continues to symbolize the relentless human quest for discovery, even when running into relentless adversities.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Run Into

What is the origin of run into?

+
Originating in the early 19th century, 'run into' derives from the English terms 'run', meaning to move swiftly, and 'into', suggesting direction or contact, initially used to describe physical collisions before extending to metaphorical encounters.

Can run into be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Run into' is versatile, applicable in both formal and informal situations. It effectively conveys the unexpected nature of encounters or obstacles, making it suitable for diverse contexts, from casual conversations to formal reports.

What is the difference between run into and encounter?

+
Both 'run into' and 'encounter' involve unexpected meetings or challenges. However, 'run into' often implies suddenness and physical or metaphorical collisions, while 'encounter' is broader, suitable for any unexpected meeting, problem, or challenge.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

come acrossencountermeetbump intofind
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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