WordVale

run into

to meet by chance; to encounter a problem

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to meet someone unexpectedly

2. (verb) to collide with something while moving

3. (verb) to encounter a problem or difficulty

Examples

• I ran into an old friend at the grocery store.
• The car ran into a tree during the accident.
• We ran into some unexpected expenses while renovating the house.

How to use run into

Run into is a phrasal verb with three common meanings: meeting someone by accident (often with 'at' or 'in'), physical collision with an object, and encountering an unexpected difficulty or issue. The 'meeting' sense is casual and conversational; the 'problem' sense is equally informal but widely used in both spoken and written English. It is less formal than 'encounter' or 'collide'.

Common phrases

• run into trouble
• run into a problem
• run into someone at
• run into the ground
• run into debt

Synonyms

meet by chance · bump into · come across · encounter · collide with

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'run into' (phrasal verb, inseparable) with 'run in' or use it when they mean 'rush into' (enter hastily), which is a different expression.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

put off, put up with, rule out, run out of, set up, sort out

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained