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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 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“
- She walked into the room and noticed the beautiful decorations.
- The caterpillar transformed into a butterfly.
- He poured the milk into the glass.
- They got into the car and drove off.
- The company is looking into expanding its operations overseas.
Examples of “In to“
- She turned her essay in to the teacher.
- I need to stop by the bank to drop my check in to the account.
- He logged in to his computer to start his workday.
- She came in to see what all the noise was about.
- The celebrity stopped by to check in to the hotel.
Practical Exercises
Determine if the usage of “into” or “in to” is correct.
- She walked into the room to find everyone waiting for her. (True/False)
- He came in to ask a question during the meeting. (True/False)
- The car crashed into the barrier at the side of the road. (True/False)
- I need to log in to my computer to start working. (True/False)
- The bird flew into the window, thinking it was open air. (True/False)
- Can you hand this in to the teacher for me? (True/False)
- She turned her essay into the professor before the deadline. (True/False)
- The magician turned the handkerchief in to a dove. (True/False)
- The kids jumped into the pool to cool off. (True/False)
- Please come in to dinner, it’s getting cold. (True/False)
Answers
- True
- True
- True
- True
- True
- True
- False (Correct usage: “turned her essay in to”)
- False (Correct usage: “turned the handkerchief into”)
- True
- True
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