The phrase "run into" is a common expression used to describe accidental or unexpected encounters with people or things. It is spelled with the phonemes /r/ /ʌ/ /n/ /ˈɪn/ /tuː/. The beginning sound is the voiced alveolar approximant /r/, followed by the short vowel sound /ʌ/. The consonant sound /n/ then comes before the diphthong /ɪn/. Finally, the word ends with the vowel sound /u/, which is pronounced with rounded lips. Overall, the spelling of "run into" reflects the standard English pronunciation of the word.
The phrasal verb "run into" typically has two main definitions:
1. To collide with or physically encounter someone or something unintentionally or unexpectedly. When used in this context, it usually refers to a literal collision, such as two vehicles bumping into each other or a person accidentally bumping into a street sign while walking. It implies an accidental meeting or clash that was not planned or desired. For example, "I was rushing to catch the train and accidentally ran into an old friend."
2. To meet someone unexpectedly, usually by chance or happenstance. In this sense, "run into" refers to an unplanned encounter with someone, typically someone known to the person. It suggests that the meeting was not prearranged or expected, as if by coincidence. For instance, "I ran into my neighbor at the grocery store yesterday." It can also convey surprise or delight at unexpectedly meeting someone, implying a spontaneous or casual encounter.
In both definitions, "run into" denotes a sense of unexpectedness or the lack of prior intention, whether relating to physical contact or a chance meeting with someone. This versatile phrasal verb is commonly used in everyday conversations, providing a convenient way to express unplanned encounters or occurrences.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The phrase "run into" has a straightforward etymology. It is a combination of the verb "run", which comes from Old English "rinnan", meaning "to flow, run", and the preposition "into", originating from Old English "intō", meaning "to the inside of".
"Run into" is a phrasal verb that emerged in the late 16th century. It signifies the action of moving or colliding with something or someone, often accidentally or unexpectedly. Over time, it has gained additional figurative meanings, such as encountering or meeting someone unexpectedly.