Run Into – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever bumped into an old friend while shopping, or suddenly faced an issue like a flat tire or a software error? In English, you can say you ran into them! This versatile phrasal verb has two main meanings: (1) to meet someone unexpectedly, or (2) to encounter a problem, obstacle, or situation—often by surprise.
What Does “Run Into” Mean?
“Run into” can mean two things, depending on context:
1. To meet someone unexpectedly—like seeing a former coworker at the airport.
2. To encounter a problem or situation—like running into traffic, delays, or technical issues.
Think of it like walking around a corner and suddenly finding something (or someone) in your path. The phrase isn’t about running literally; it’s about unexpected encounters—good or bad.
When to Use It
Use this phrase in casual or neutral conversations with friends, family, or coworkers:
• For unexpected meetings: “I ran into my high school teacher at the café!”
• For problems or surprises: “We ran into a few issues during the launch.”
It’s extremely common in everyday English—great for storytelling, texting, or quick updates.
Example Sentences
- I ran into my neighbor while walking the dog.
- They ran into heavy traffic on the way to the airport.
- She ran into an old friend at the concert last night.
- We ran into a small bug while testing the app—but fixed it fast.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “How was your trip?”
Jamie: “Great! And guess who I ran into at the hotel? Maria from college!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use “run into” for planned meetings or minor preferences. It only applies to truly unexpected encounters or genuine obstacles—not scheduled events or simple dislikes.
❌ Don’t say: “I ran into my dentist for my 3 p.m. appointment.” (That’s planned!)
✅ Do say: “I ran into my dentist at the grocery store!”
Practice Tip
Next time you meet someone by chance or hit a small problem, say: “I ran into…” It’s a natural, conversational way to share surprises in English.
Final Note
Now you can use “run into” to describe chance meetings or unexpected hurdles like a native speaker! It’s a flexible, friendly phrase that fits countless real-life moments. Keep using it—and enjoy the surprises (and solutions) that come your way.