The phrase "running into" is often spelled with two words, "running" and "into", but it can also be spelled with a hyphen, "running-into". This phrase is pronounced as /ˈrʌnɪŋ ˈɪntu/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "r" sound is pronounced by vibrating the vocal cords, while the "u" sound is pronounced with the lips rounded. The stress falls on the first syllable "run." "Into" is pronounced with a long "i" sound, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Running into is a phrasal verb that has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Generally, it refers to an unexpected encounter or collision with someone or something while moving or being in motion.
One meaning of running into is when two or more people accidentally meet or come across each other unexpectedly. This encounter can occur by chance or accident, often when people are in a hurry or not paying attention. For example, you might say "I was running into my friend at the grocery store" or "I ran into my neighbor on the street."
Another meaning of running into is accidentally colliding with or hitting an object or obstacle while moving. This could be pedestrians hitting each other or bumping into walls or furniture due to lack of vigilance or distraction. For instance, you can say "I was running into a door because I was texting and not looking ahead."
Additionally, running into can also be used metaphorically to describe encountering or experiencing a certain situation, event, or problem unexpectedly. It implies stumbling upon or coming face to face with something unexpectedly or without prior knowledge. For instance, you might say "I didn't expect to run into so many difficulties during the project."
In summary, running into often signifies an accidental meeting or collision with people or objects, as well as unexpectedly encountering or facing situations or problems.
The phrase "running into" is a combination of the verb "run" and the preposition "into".
The verb "run" has Old English origins and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "rinnan". It originally meant "to move swiftly on foot", and its meaning has evolved over time to include various other senses, such as "to run a business" or "to run into someone".
The preposition "into" also has Old English roots, deriving from the Proto-Germanic word "intu", meaning "in, into". It conveys a sense of direction toward the inside or interior of something.
When used together, "running into" generally refers to a situation where someone unexpectedly encounters or meets another person or obstacle during their physical movement or journey.