Differences between In To and Into
Comparison Article
In To and Into Comparison
"In to" and "into" are frequently confused in English writing due to their identical pronunciation. However, they serve distinct grammatical functions. "Into" is a preposition that indicates movement toward the inside of something, a change in state, or an interest in a subject.[1][2] The two-word phrase "in to" is a combination of the adverb "in" and the preposition "to," often appearing when "in" is part of a phrasal verb and "to" begins an infinitive phrase or functions as a preposition.[3][4]
The single word "into" emerged in late Old English, a compound of "in" and "to," to clarify the direction of movement, a function that the dative case had previously served.[5]
Comparison Table
| Category | In To | Into |
|---|---|---|
| Part of Speech | Adverb ("in") + Preposition or Infinitive Marker ("to") | Preposition |
| Primary Function | "In" modifies a verb, while "to" indicates purpose or direction. | Indicates movement to the inside of a place, a change of form, or involvement.[1] |
| Example of Use (Movement) | The patient went back in to see the doctor. | The patient walked into the doctor's office. |
| Association with Verbs | Often follows a phrasal verb ending in "in" (e.g., "drop in," "turn in").[3] | Can follow any verb of motion (e.g., "walk," "jump," "pour").[2] |
| Example with Phrasal Verb | He turned his form in to the office. | The caterpillar turned into a butterfly.[2] |
| Infinitive Phrase | She came in to help with the project. | Not applicable. |
| Test for Correct Usage | The sentence should still make sense if "in order to" can be substituted for "to."[3] | The sentence should answer the question "where?" or "what?" in terms of destination or result. |
Phrasal Verbs
A primary source of confusion arises from phrasal verbs. A phrasal verb is a verb combined with an adverb or preposition to create a new meaning. When a phrasal verb ending in "in" is followed by the preposition "to," the words must remain separate. For instance, in the sentence, "Please log in to your account," "log in" is the phrasal verb, and "to" indicates the destination.[1][3] Writing "log into your account" is a common error, though some sources note it is becoming more acceptable. Other examples of phrasal verbs that are often followed by "to" include "check in," "hand in," "stop in," and "tune in."[1]
In contrast, "into" can also be part of a phrasal verb, where it is essential to the verb's meaning. Examples include "look into" (to investigate), "run into" (to meet unexpectedly), and "talk into" (to persuade). In these cases, "into" cannot be separated from the verb without changing the meaning of the phrase.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "scribbr.com". Retrieved January 09, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "grammarly.com". Retrieved January 09, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "thewritepractice.com". Retrieved January 09, 2026.
- ↑ "masterclass.com". Retrieved January 09, 2026.
- ↑ "etymonline.com". Retrieved January 09, 2026.
