In vs. Into — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
"In" suggests presence within a boundary or area, while "into" indicates movement from outside to inside.
Difference Between In and Into
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"In" is used to describe a location or position within a fixed boundary, indicating presence in a place or state. For example, saying "in the box" suggests something is contained within the boundaries of the box. On the other hand, "into" describes motion towards or in the direction of something, implying entrance or transformation. It is used when an object or person moves from one place to another, as in "walked into the room."
"In" also serves to denote inclusion in a group or category, such as "in the team," where the focus is on being part of an established group. Whereas, "into" can imply integration or transformation, such as "got into college," which suggests entry into a new environment or state.
When discussing time, "in" can denote a specific time period during which something happens, like "in April." Conversely, "into" can be used to describe the continuation of time past a certain point, such as "into the night," emphasizing progression.
In spatial contexts, "in" focuses on the static aspect of being surrounded by something, such as "in the water," suggesting being enveloped or enclosed. Into, however, emphasizes the action of transition or penetration, such as "dived into the water."
In terms of grammar, "in" typically functions as a preposition that connects its object with another word, indicating location or position. Into is also a preposition but is specifically used to denote movement or transformation, showing the change in position of the subject.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Static location
Movement towards
Context
Presence within
Entry or transition into
Time
During a period
Extending beyond a point
Spatial use
Enclosed by boundaries
Action entering boundaries
Grammar
Preposition of place
Preposition of movement
Compare with Definitions
In
Denoting a state or condition.
They are in love.
Into
Denoting a thorough investigation or research.
They went into the matter deeply.
In
As a preposition denoting location within boundaries.
She was waiting in the lobby.
Into
To specify an interest or activity someone is involved in.
He is really into chess.
In
Indicating inclusion within a group or structure.
He plays in a band.
Into
Indicating transformation or change.
They turned the office into a nursery.
In
As part of idiomatic expressions.
He is in for a surprise.
Into
As part of a phrase indicating collision or impact.
The car crashed into a tree.
In
Referring to a specific time within limits.
We will meet in an hour.
Into
Used to express movement towards the inside of a place.
She walked into the room.
In
Expressing the situation of something that is or appears to be enclosed or surrounded by something else
Dressed in their Sunday best
She saw the bus in the rear-view mirror
I'm living in London
Into
To the inside or interior of
Went into the house.
In
Expressing a period of time during which an event happens or a situation remains the case
They met in 1885
I hadn't seen him in years
At one o'clock in the morning
Into
To the activity or occupation of
Recent college graduates who go into banking.
In
Expressing the length of time before a future event is expected to happen
I'll see you in fifteen minutes
Into
To the condition, state, or form of
Dishes breaking into pieces.
Changed into a butterfly.
In
(often followed by a noun without a determiner) expressing a state or condition
I've got to put my affairs in order
To be in love
A woman in her thirties
Into
So as to be in or be included in
Parties entering into an agreement.
Wrote a new character into the play.
In
Expressing inclusion or involvement
I read it in a book
Acting in a film
Into
(Informal) Interested in or involved with
They are into vegetarianism.
In
Indicating someone's occupation or profession
She works in publishing
Into
To a point within the limits of a period of time or extent of space
Well into the week.
In
Indicating the language or medium used
Put it in writing
Say it in French
Into
In the direction of; toward
Looked into the distance.
Pointed into the sky.
In
As an integral part of (an activity)
In planning public expenditure it is better to be prudent
Into
Against
Crashed into a tree.
In
Expressing a value as a proportion of (a whole)
A local income tax running at six pence in the pound
Into
As a divisor of
The number 3 goes into 9 three times.
In
Expressing movement with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else
Come in
Presently the admiral breezed in
Into
To or towards the inside of.
Mary danced into the house.
Pour the wine into the decanter.
The nomads shave intricate designs into their camels' fur.
In
Expressing the situation of being enclosed or surrounded by something
We were locked in
Into
To or towards the region of.
We left the house and walked into the street.
The eagle flew off into the wide blue sky.
In
Expressing arrival
The train got in very late
Into
Against, especially with force or violence.
The car crashed into the tree.
I wasn't careful, and walked into a wall.
In
(of the tide) rising or at its highest level.
Into
Indicates transition into another form or substance.
I carved the piece of driftwood into a sculpture of a whale.
Right before our eyes, Jake turned into a wolf!
In
Present at one's home or office
We knocked at the door but there was no one in
Into
Indicates division or the creation of subgroups or sections.
A cow's stomach is divided into four chambers.
In
Fashionable
The in thing to do
Pastels and light colours are in this year
Into
After the start of.
About 20 minutes into the flight, the pilot reported a fire on board.
In
(of the ball in tennis and similar games) landing within the designated playing area.
Into
(colloquial) Interested in or attracted to.
She's really into Shakespeare right now.
My date for tonight has black hair, and I'm into that.
In
Batting
Which side is in?
Into
Expressing the operation of multiplication.
Five into three is fifteen.
In
A position of influence with someone powerful or famous
She got an in with the promising new artist
Into
(mathematics) Expressing the operation of division, with the denominator given first. Usually with "goes".
Three into two won't go.
24 goes into 48 how many times?
In
Within the limits, bounds, or area of
Was hit in the face.
Born in the spring.
A chair in the garden.
Into
Investigating the subject (of).
There have been calls for research into the pesticides that are blamed for the decline in bee populations.
In
From the outside to a point within; into
Threw the letter in the wastebasket.
Into
To the inside of; within. It is used in a variety of applications.
In
To or at a situation or condition of
Was split in two.
In debt.
A woman in love.
Into
Expressing entrance, or a passing from the outside of a thing to its interior parts; - following verbs expressing motion; as, come into the house; go into the church; one stream falls or runs into another; water enters into the fine vessels of plants.
In
Having the activity, occupation, or function of
A life in politics.
The officer in command.
Into
Expressing penetration beyond the outside or surface, or access to the inside, or contents; as, to look into a letter or book; to look into an apartment.
In
During the act or process of
Tripped in racing for the bus.
Into
Indicating insertion; as, to infuse more spirit or animation into a composition.
In
With the arrangement or order of
Fabric that fell in luxuriant folds.
Arranged to purchase the car in equal payments.
Into
Denoting inclusion; as, put these ideas into other words.
In
After the style or form of
A poem in iambic pentameter.
Into
Indicating the passing of a thing from one form, condition, or state to another; as, compound substances may be resolved into others which are more simple; ice is convertible into water, and water into vapor; men are more easily drawn than forced into compliance; we may reduce many distinct substances into one mass; men are led by evidence into belief of truth, and are often enticed into the commission of crimes; she burst into tears; children are sometimes frightened into fits; all persons are liable to be seduced into error and folly.
In
With the characteristic, attribute, or property of
A tall man in an overcoat.
In
By means of
Paid in cash.
In
Made with or through the medium of
A statue in bronze.
A note written in German.
In
With the aim or purpose of
Followed in pursuit.
In
With reference to
Six inches in depth.
Has faith in your judgment.
In
Used to indicate the second and larger term of a ratio or proportion
Saved only one in ten.
In
To or toward the inside
Opened the door and stepped in.
In
To or toward a destination or goal
The mob closed in.
In
(Sports) So as to score, as by crossing home plate in baseball
Singled the runner in.
In
Within a place, as of business or residence
The manager is in before anyone else.
In
So as to be available or under one's control
We can proceed when all the evidence is in.
In
So as to include or incorporate
Fold in the egg whites.
In
So as to occupy a position of success or favor
Campaigned hard and was voted in.
In
In a particular relationship
Got in bad with their supervisor.
In
Located inside; inner.
In
Incoming; inward
Took the in bus.
In
Holding office; having power
The in party.
In
Currently fashionable
The in thing to wear this season.
In
Concerned with or attuned to the latest fashions
The in crowd.
In
Relating to, understandable to, or coming from an exclusive group
An in reference.
In
One that has position, influence, or power
The ins against the outs.
In
(Informal) Influence; power
Had an in with the authorities.
In
Used to indicate location, inclusion, or position within spatial, temporal or other limits.
In
Contained by.
The dog is in the kennel.
There were three pickles in a jar.
In
Within the bounds or limits of.
I like living in the city.
There are lots of trees in the park.
In
Surrounded by; among; amidst.
We are in the enemy camp.
Her plane is in the air.
Waiter! There's a fly in my soup!
In
Wearing (an item of clothing).
I glanced over at the pretty girl in the red dress.
In
Part of; a member of; out of; from among.
You are one in a million.
She's in an orchestra.
In
During (a period of time).
My birthday is in the first week of December.
Easter falls in the fourth lunar month.
The country reached a high level of prosperity in his first term.
In
Within (a certain elapsed time); by the end of.
Will you be able to finish this in a week?
The massacre resulted in over 1000 deaths in three hours.
In
At the end of (a period of time).
They said they would call us in a week.
In
Characterized by.
Many English nouns in -is form their plurals in -es.
In
Into.
Less water gets in your boots this way.
She stood there looking in the window longingly.
In
Used to indicate limit, qualification, condition, or circumstance.
In replacing the faucet washers, he felt he was making his contribution to the environment.
In
Indicating an order or arrangement.
My fat rolls around in folds.
In
Denoting a state of the subject.
He stalked away in anger.
John is in a coma.
In
Indicates, connotatively, a place-like form of someone's (or something's) personality, as his, her or its psychic and physical characteristics.
You've got a friend in me.
He's met his match in her.
In
Pertaining to; with regard to.
There has been no change in his condition.
What grade did he get in English?
In
Used to indicate means, medium, format, genre, or instrumentality.
In
(of something offered or given in an exchange) In the form of, in the denomination of.
Please pay me in cash — preferably in tens and twenties.
The deposit can be in any legal tender, even in gold.
Her generosity was rewarded in the success of its recipients.
In
Used to indicate a language, script, tone, etc. of a text, speech, etc.
Beethoven's "Symphony No. 5" in C minor is among his most popular.
His speech was in French, but was simultaneously translated into eight languages.
When you write in cursive, it's illegible.
Military letters should be formal in tone, but not stilted.
In
To enclose.
In
To take in; to harvest.
In
At or towards the interior of a defined space, such as a building or room.
Suddenly a strange man walked in.
Would you like that to take away or eat in?
He ran to the edge of the swimming pool and dived in.
In
Towards the speaker or other reference point.
They flew in from London last night.
For six hours the tide flows in, then for another six hours it flows out.
In
So as to be enclosed or surrounded by something.
Bring the water to the boil and drop the vegetables in.
In
After the beginning of something.
The show still didn't become interesting 20 minutes in.
In
(in combination, after a verb) Denotes a gathering of people assembled for the stated activity, sometimes, though not always, suggesting a protest.
Sing-in, pray-in, hug-in; see also be-in, love-in, sit-in, teach-in.
In
A position of power or influence, or a way to get it.
His parents got him an in with the company.
In
One who, or that which, is in; especially, one who is in office.
In
(sport) The state of a batter/batsman who is currently batting; see innings.
In
A re-entrant angle; a nook or corner.
In
Abbreviation of inch; inches
In
(not comparable) Located indoors, especially at home or at one's office or place of work.
Is Mr. Smith in?
In
(not comparable) Located inside something.
Little by little I pushed the snake into the basket, until finally all of it was in.
In
Falling or remaining within the bounds of the playing area.
If the tennis ball bounces on the line then it's in.
In
Inserted or fitted into something.
I've discovered why the TV wasn't working – the plug wasn't in!
In
Having been collected or received.
The replies to the questionnaires are now all in.
In
In fashion; popular.
Skirts are in this year.
In
Incoming.
The in train
In
Furled or stowed.
In
Of the tide, at or near its highest level.
You can't get round the headland when the tide's in.
In
(legal) With privilege or possession; used to denote a holding, possession, or seisin
In by descent;
In by purchase;
In of the seisin of her husband
In
(cricket) Currently batting.
In
Having familiarity or involvement with somebody.
He is very in with the Joneses.
In
(informal) Having a favourable position, such as a position of influence or expected gain, in relation to another person.
I think that bird fancies you. You're in there, mate!
In
(of fire or fuel) Burning; ablaze.
In
The specific signification of in is situation or place with respect to surrounding, environment, encompassment, etc. It is used with verbs signifying being, resting, or moving within limits, or within circumstances or conditions of any kind conceived of as limiting, confining, or investing, either wholly or in part. In its different applications, it approaches some of the meanings of, and sometimes is interchangeable with, within, into, on, at, of, and among.
In
With reference to space or place; as, he lives in Boston; he traveled in Italy; castles in the air.
The babe lying in a manger.
Thy sun sets weeping in the lowly west.
Situated in the forty-first degree of latitude.
Matter for censure in every page.
In
With reference to circumstances or conditions; as, he is in difficulties; she stood in a blaze of light.
Wrapt in sweet sounds, as in bright veils.
In
With reference to a whole which includes or comprises the part spoken of; as, the first in his family; the first regiment in the army.
Nine in ten of those who enter the ministry.
In
With reference to physical surrounding, personal states, etc., abstractly denoted; as, I am in doubt; the room is in darkness; to live in fear.
When shall we three meet again,In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
In
With reference to character, reach, scope, or influence considered as establishing a limitation; as, to be in one's favor.
Sounds inharmonious in themselves, and harsh.
In
With reference to movement or tendency toward a certain limit or environment; - sometimes equivalent to into; as, to put seed in the ground; to fall in love; to end in death; to put our trust in God.
He would not plunge his brother in despair.
She had no jewels to deposit in their caskets.
In
With reference to a limit of time; as, in an hour; it happened in the last century; in all my life.
In
Not out; within; inside. In, the preposition, becomes an adverb by omission of its object, leaving it as the representative of an adverbial phrase, the context indicating what the omitted object is; as, he takes in the situation (i. e., he comprehends it in his mind); the Republicans were in (i. e., in office); in at one ear and out at the other (i. e., in or into the head); his side was in (i. e., in the turn at the bat); he came in (i. e., into the house).
Their vacation . . . falls in so pat with ours.
In
With privilege or possession; - used to denote a holding, possession, or seisin; as, in by descent; in by purchase; in of the seisin of her husband.
In
One who is in office; - the opposite of out.
In
A reëntrant angle; a nook or corner.
All the ins and outs of this neighborhood.
In
To inclose; to take in; to harvest.
He that ears my land spares my team and gives me leave to in the crop.
In
A unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot
In
A rare soft silvery metallic element; occurs in small quantities in sphalerite
In
A state in midwestern United States
In
Holding office;
The in party
In
Directed or bound inward;
Took the in bus
The in basket
In
Currently fashionable;
The in thing to do
Large shoulder pads are in
In
To or toward the inside of;
Come in
Smash in the door
In
Inside an enclosed space
Common Curiosities
When describing locations, how do I choose between "in" and "into"?
Use "in" to state the location where someone or something already is, and "into" to describe the action of movement to that location.
Can "in" denote participation in an action?
Yes, it can denote involvement in activities, e.g., "He is in the play."
What are examples of using "in" with time expressions?
"In" is used for months, years, and seasons, e.g., "in June," "in 1999," "in winter."
What is the role of "in" in idiomatic expressions?
"In" appears in phrases like "in touch," "in case of," which convey conditional or relational states.
How do "in" and "into" differ when used with vehicles?
"In" is used when someone is inside (static), e.g., "in the car," and "into" for the action of entering, e.g., "got into the car."
How does "into" express interest or engagement in something?
"Into" shows involvement or deep engagement, e.g., "She's really into yoga."
What is an example of "in" being used in a professional context?
"He specializes in pediatric care," indicating a focus within a specific field.
How is "into" used in mathematical contexts?
"Into" can denote function inputs, e.g., "maps one space into another."
Can "into" be used to describe an emotional transformation?
Yes, e.g., "She burst into tears," showing a sudden change of emotional state.
Is "in" used in technology or computing contexts?
Yes, e.g., "logged in to the computer," indicating being inside or part of a system.
When is "in" used in the context of clothing?
"In" is used to describe wearing something, e.g., "dressed in black."
Can "into" be used to indicate a literal transformation?
Yes, such as "He turned the pumpkin into a carriage."
Is "into" used in phrases involving time and future?
Yes, for periods extending into the future, e.g., "well into the next century."
How can "in" and "into" be differentiated in sports contexts?
"In" might refer to being on a team or part of a game, e.g., "in the lineup," whereas "into" might involve entering into a sports category, e.g., "got into professional tennis."
How does "into" work in financial contexts?
It can be used to describe investment direction, e.g., "invested into stocks."
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
