The phrasal verb "run into" is primarily used in informal contexts, often appearing in conversational English rather than formal writing or speech. It is commonly used to describe unexpectedly encountering somebody or something, such as bumping into an old friend on the street or facing an unforeseen problem. The term can also refer to reaching a certain amount, often surprisingly, like costs running into millions. Its flexibility makes it a staple in daily interactions, frequently used to convey spontaneity or surprise in encounters. It is seldom replaced by its more formal equivalents, such as 'encounter' or 'face,' when a casual tone is desired. While generally well understood, the verb's casual nature means it's less likely to be found in formal documentation or professional communication where more precise language is typically favored.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To meet someone unexpectedly.
I ran into an old school friend while shopping in town.
Yesterday, I ran into my neighbor at the coffee shop unexpectedly.
2. To encounter a problem or difficulty unexpectedly.
We ran into some issues with the software installation.
During the project, we ran into financial difficulties.