In vs. Into

What is Their Main Difference?

The main difference between 'in' and 'into' is in the meaning they convert. 'In' is used to talk about location and motion and 'into' is used only to talk about motion and direction.

Talking about Location

When we want to refer to the location of anything which is enclosed by another object, we use 'in.' Take a look at the following examples:

Example

She placed the rabbit in the giant hat.

The rabbit is inside the hat.

The toys are in the box.

Talking about Motion

Both 'in' and 'into' can show motion and direction. They are interchangeable. Have a look:

Example

I dived right in the water.

I dived right into the water.

Harry walked in the room.

Harry walked into the room.

There is a delicate matter you need to consider: Action verbs can be used with both 'in' and 'into' but state verbs cannot be used with 'into.' State verb do not refer to an action and therefore cannot help representing motion like 'into' does.

Example

He is in the room.

He is ~~into~~ the room.

There is no action done by the state verb ‘is’ and into is used incorrectly.

Comments

(2)

Yasmin Omar

Aug 2024

For quick, succinct explanations

Gabriel Fernandez Perez

May 2024

Very good explanation

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What is Their Main Difference?
Talking about Location
Talking about Motion

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In vs. Into

What is Their Main Difference?

Talking about Location

Talking about Motion

Comments

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