Phrasal verb
come into
Meanings
to enter a room, building, or area
to become visible or noticeable as you move or as something changes position
to receive something such as an inheritance or property
Definition
To come into something means to enter a place or area.
When you come into a room, building, or area, you move from outside (or another place) to inside it. This is often used in everyday speech for entering a space. It can also describe when something appears or becomes noticeable as you enter a new area, such as coming into view.
Examples
- I came into the kitchen and smelled fresh bread.
- You came into the meeting late, so we saved you a seat.
- He came into the room quietly and sat near the window.
- She came into view at the end of the trail just before sunset.
- They came into a small inheritance from their aunt.
Common mistake
Learners often say "come in to" when they mean the phrasal verb "come into" for entering a place (e.g., "come into the room").
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.