“Into” and “in to” are two small words that can cause big confusion. They sound the same and look similar, but they aren’t interchangeable. Mixing them up can lead to sentences that don’t make sense or convey the wrong meaning.
This guide will help you understand the difference between “into” and “in to” so you can use them correctly. You’ll learn when to use each one, see examples, and get tips to remember the rules. Let’s start by looking at what “into” means.
How to Use “Into”
“Into” is a preposition that shows movement or change. It tells us where something is going or how it’s transforming. Use “into” when you want to describe:
- Something moving from outside to inside
- A change from one state to another
- A transformation or conversion
Examples of “Into”
- She walked into the room. (Movement from outside to inside)
- The caterpillar turned into a butterfly. (Transformation)
- He put the money into his pocket. (Placement inside something)
How to Remember “Into”
Think of “into” as a single word that shows movement or change. If you’re talking about something going inside or becoming something new, use “into.”
How to Use “In To”
“In to” is not a single word. It’s a combination of the adverb “in” and the preposition “to.” Use “in to” when:
- “In” is part of a phrasal verb
- “To” is part of an infinitive verb
- “To” shows direction or purpose
Examples of “In To”
- She came in to see the doctor. (“In” is part of the phrasal verb “came in”)
- He turned in to the driveway. (“In” is part of the phrasal verb “turned in”)
- She went in to get her coat. (“To” is part of the infinitive verb “to get”)
How to Remember “In To”
If you can separate “in” and “to” and the sentence still makes sense, use “in to.” For example, “She went in to get her coat” can be separated into “She went in” and “to get her coat.”
Into vs. In To: A Quick Comparison
| Into | In To |
| Preposition | Adverb + Preposition |
| Shows movement or change | Used with phrasal verbs or infinitive verbs |
| Examples: Walked into the room, turned into a butterfly | Examples: Came in to see, went in to get |
Conclusion
“Into” and “in to” may seem tricky, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to use them confidently. Remember, “into” shows movement or change, while “in to” is used with phrasal verbs or infinitive verbs. By keeping these rules in mind, you’ll avoid common mistakes and make your writing clearer and more precise.