Meaning
To meet someone unexpectedly or by accident.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'running into' someone is often followed by a brief, polite conversation. It is a way to maintain social bonds. Similar to the US, but perhaps with more emphasis on the 'coincidence' aspect. It is a common topic for small talk. In Japan, running into someone is often treated with more formality, even if it is a friend, due to the emphasis on social etiquette. Germans value punctuality, so 'running into' someone is truly seen as a random event that disrupts the schedule.
Use it for problems too
Don't forget that 'run into' is also great for talking about unexpected difficulties.
Don't use for appointments
If you have a meeting, never say 'I ran into my boss'. It sounds like you didn't plan it!
Meaning
To meet someone unexpectedly or by accident.
Use it for problems too
Don't forget that 'run into' is also great for talking about unexpected difficulties.
Don't use for appointments
If you have a meeting, never say 'I ran into my boss'. It sounds like you didn't plan it!
Add 'by chance'
If you want to emphasize the surprise, say 'I ran into him by chance'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
I ____ my old friend at the mall yesterday.
The correct phrasal verb for an unexpected meeting is 'run into'.
Choose the sentence that uses 'run into' correctly.
Which sentence is correct?
Meetings are planned, so you don't 'run into' someone at a meeting.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Did you see anyone you know? B: Yes, I ____ my cousin!
The context implies an unexpected meeting.
Match the situation to the correct usage.
You meet a friend at the park without planning it.
'Ran into' specifically denotes the lack of planning.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI ____ my old friend at the mall yesterday.
The correct phrasal verb for an unexpected meeting is 'run into'.
Which sentence is correct?
Meetings are planned, so you don't 'run into' someone at a meeting.
A: Did you see anyone you know? B: Yes, I ____ my cousin!
The context implies an unexpected meeting.
You meet a friend at the park without planning it.
'Ran into' specifically denotes the lack of planning.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but it usually means you hit them (literal) or you found them by accident (figurative).
No, it is neutral and very common in daily conversation.
No, that is incorrect. Use 'at' the store.
Yes, they are interchangeable in almost all contexts.
Then use 'meet' or 'see'.
Yes, especially when talking about problems or delays.
It sounds like 'run-nin-to'.
Yes, it is very common in texting.
Yes, and it is inseparable.
Only when used with 'problems' or 'trouble'.
Yes, 'I ran into my friends'.
Yes, all the time to create plot coincidences.
Related Phrases
Bump into
synonymTo meet by chance.
Chance upon
similarTo find by accident.
Run across
similarTo find or meet by chance.
Happen upon
similarTo discover by chance.
