Run Into vs Run Over: What's the Difference?

Using the wrong phrasal verb can sometimes create a funny or even shocking sentence. 'Run into' and 'run over' are a great example. In this video, you will learn the difference so you always say what you mean. 'Run into' means to meet someone unexpectedly, without planning. For example: I ran into my teacher at the mall. We ran into each other at the gym. It is a friendly, everyday phrase. You can also use 'run into' for problems: We ran into some difficulties with the project. 'Run over' means to hit someone or something with a vehicle and drive over it. For example: He accidentally ran over a cone in the parking lot. Don't back up, you'll run over the hose! Imagine saying 'I ran over my teacher at the mall' when you meant you met them. That would be a very different story! 'Run over' can also mean to go beyond a time limit, as in The meeting ran over by twenty minutes. Here is the easy rule: run into is friendly, run over is dangerous. Watch the video and repeat each example to remember the difference.