Cool MateCollide vs Run into
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Collide
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Run into
Top 2,000 (common)
| Collide | Run into | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kəˈlaɪd//🇺🇸 //kəˈlaɪd// | 🇬🇧 //rʌn ˈɪntuː//🇺🇸 //rʌn ˈɪntu// |
| Meaning | To hit or crash into something. | to meet someone unexpectedly |
| Example | The two cars collided at the intersection. | I ran into an old classmate at the grocery store. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | collide with, collide head-on, collide violently | run into trouble, run into a friend, run into a problem |
| Antonyms | merge, combine, connect | avoid, miss, evade |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'combine' - remember, collide means to crash., Using with intransitive structure incorrectly - 'collide with' is the correct form., Overusing in metaphors - ensure it fits the context. | Confused with 'run onto', meaning to reach a physical location., Using in the wrong tense, e.g., 'I run into him yesterday.', Confusing with 'bump into', which has a similar meaning. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in scientific and everyday contexts. Avoid using in overly informal situations. | Use 'run into' when meeting someone by chance. It is appropriate in casual conversations but can also be used in more formal settings, though alternatives like 'encounter' may be preferred. |
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Frequently asked questions: Collide vs Run into
What's the difference between Collide and Run into?
Collide: To hit or crash into something. Run into: to meet someone unexpectedly
Can you show an example of each?
Collide: The two cars collided at the intersection. Run into: I ran into an old classmate at the grocery store.
Can I use Collide and Run into interchangeably?
Not always. Collide and Run into are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.