English Reference

Phrasal verb

run into

Definition

phrasal verb. to meet someone you know by chance when you did not expect to see them.

phrasal verb. to encounter a person unexpectedly or by chance. The verb is transitive and inseparable, requiring a direct object.

Examples

“I ran into my old teacher at the supermarket today.”

“While I was walking through the park yesterday, I ran into an old friend from college whom I hadn't seen in years.”

“It is not uncommon to run into former colleagues at these industry conferences, given how small the professional circle in this city remains.”

Examples

simple

“I ran into my old teacher at the supermarket today.”

contextual

“While I was walking through the park yesterday, I ran into an old friend from college whom I hadn't seen in years.”

complex

“It is not uncommon to run into former colleagues at these industry conferences, given how small the professional circle in this city remains.”

Usage

The object is usually a person you already know.

Teaching tip

Contrast this with 'meet', which often implies a planned arrangement, whereas 'run into' is always accidental.

Pitfall

I ran into with my friend.

I ran into my friend.

The phrasal verb takes the object directly after the particle without an extra preposition like 'with'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

into

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

run + into + object

Synonyms

Antonyms

Grammar

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference