run into

Meaning

To 'run into' someone means to meet them by chance when you did not plan to. It can also be used to describe unexpectedly encountering difficulties, problems, or obstacles.

Examples

• You'll never guess who I ran into at the supermarket today!

  You'll never guess who I ran into at the supermarket today!

• I ran into my old high school teacher while on vacation.

  I ran into my old high school teacher while on vacation.

• We ran into some unexpected issues with the new software.

  We ran into some unexpected issues with the new software.

• I hope we don't run into any traffic on our way to the airport.

  I hope we don't run into any traffic on our way to the airport.

• It was great to run into you; we should grab coffee sometime.

  It was great to run into you; we should grab coffee sometime.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I ran into with my friend yesterday.

  ✓ I ran into my friend yesterday.

  'Run into' is a transitive phrasal verb that takes a direct object. Do not add the preposition 'with' after 'into'.

• ✗ I ran into a problem, but I solved.

  ✓ I ran into a problem, but I solved it.

  Ensure you complete the sentence with appropriate object pronouns when describing the outcome of running into a problem.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Guess who I ___ at the mall yesterday? It was Sarah!

  💡 Met by chance (past tense).

  Show answer

  ran into

• Our project might ___ some delays if the budget isn't approved.

  💡 Encounter unexpectedly.

  Show answer

  run into