Into vs. In to: Understanding the Difference

Last updated on September 20, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Understanding the distinction between “into” and “in to” is essential for clear writing. While both combinations include the word “in,” they serve different purposes within a sentence. Recognizing the context is key to using them correctly. This reference will help you master this subtle difference to enhance your writing skills.

Into vs. In to: the Main Differences

Into vs. In toPin
Into vs. In to – Created by 7ESL

Into vs. In to: Definition, Usage

Into:

  • Meaning: Refers to movement or direction towards the inside of something or a transition from one state to another.
  • Use: A preposition indicating movement or change.
  • Examples:
    • “She walked into the room.”
    • “The caterpillar turned into a butterfly.”
  • Explanation: “Into” is used when something is moving toward or inside something else or when a transformation is happening.

In to:

  • Meaning: “In” and “to” are part of separate phrases that happen to be next to each other. “In” often belongs to a verb phrase, and “to” is part of a prepositional phrase or an infinitive verb.
  • Use: The words “in” and “to” are separate and do not function as a single preposition.
  • Examples:
    • “She turned in to her homework.” (Here, “in” is part of “turned in,” and “to” is part of the prepositional phrase.)
    • “He came in to check on the kids.” (Here, “came in” is the verb phrase, and “to check” is the infinitive verb.)
  • Explanation: “In to” occurs when “in” is part of the verb or prepositional phrase and “to” functions independently.

Into vs. In to: Common Mistakes

Using “in to” when “into” is needed:

  • Incorrect: “He jumped in to the pool.”
  • Correct: “He jumped into the pool.”
  • Explanation: The movement is directed inside the pool, so “into” is required.

Using “into” when “in to” is needed:

  • Incorrect: “He logged into check his email.”
  • Correct: “He logged in to check his email.”
  • Explanation: “Logged in” is a phrasal verb, and “to” is part of the infinitive verb “to check.”

Into vs. In to Examples

Examples of “Into“

  1. She walked into the room and noticed the beautiful decorations.
  2. The caterpillar transformed into a butterfly.
  3. He poured the milk into the glass.
  4. They got into the car and drove off.
  5. The company is looking into expanding its operations overseas.

Examples of “In to“

  1. She turned her essay in to the teacher.
  2. I need to stop by the bank to drop my check in to the account.
  3. He logged in to his computer to start his workday.
  4. She came in to see what all the noise was about.
  5. The celebrity stopped by to check in to the hotel.

 Practical Exercises

Determine if the usage of “into” or “in to” is correct.

  1. She walked into the room to find everyone waiting for her. (True/False)
  2. He came in to ask a question during the meeting. (True/False)
  3. The car crashed into the barrier at the side of the road. (True/False)
  4. I need to log in to my computer to start working. (True/False)
  5. The bird flew into the window, thinking it was open air. (True/False)
  6. Can you hand this in to the teacher for me? (True/False)
  7. She turned her essay into the professor before the deadline. (True/False)
  8. The magician turned the handkerchief in to a dove. (True/False)
  9. The kids jumped into the pool to cool off. (True/False)
  10. Please come in to dinner, it’s getting cold. (True/False)

Answers

  1. True
  2. True
  3. True
  4. True
  5. True
  6. True
  7. False (Correct usage: “turned her essay in to”)
  8. False (Correct usage: “turned the handkerchief into”)
  9. True
  10. True
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