"run into" vs "Run across"

Question

"run into" vs "Run across"

Both 'run into' and 'run across' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Run into' is commonly used to mean unexpectedly meet someone or something, while 'run across' is used to mean find something by chance or come across something. They are not interchangeable, as they convey different meanings.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

The phrase 'run into' is used to describe unexpectedly meeting someone or something. It implies a chance encounter or collision.

Examples:

I ran into my old friend at the supermarket.
Be careful not to run into the table in the dark.
I hope we don't run into any problems during the project.
She ran into financial difficulties after losing her job.
The car ran into a tree on the side of the road.

Alternatives:

bump into
encounter
come across
meet by chance
collide with

The phrase 'run across' is used to describe finding something by chance or coming across something unexpectedly. It implies a discovery or encounter.

Examples:

I ran across an interesting book at the library.
She ran across an old photo while cleaning out the attic.
We might run across some problems, but we'll deal with them as they come.
He ran across a great deal on a new laptop online.
The kids ran across a hidden path in the woods.

Alternatives:

come across
stumble upon
find by chance
discover unexpectedly
encounter unexpectedly

Answer 1

run into

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

Run across

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"run into" vs "Run across"

run into

Run across

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