Figuring out the difference between into and in to is one of the most common stumbling blocks in English writing. Even native speakers frequently mix them up because, when spoken aloud, they sound exactly the same. However, in writing, that tiny space between “in” and “to” completely changes the meaning of your sentence.
The distinction relies entirely on grammar and context. Are you describing a movement to the inside of something? Or are you using a verb phrase like “give in”? Once you understand the mechanics, you will never confuse these two again.
When to Use “Into” (One Word)
You should treat into as a preposition that expresses movement or a change in state. It answers the question, “Where is this going?” If something is moving from the outside to the inside, you always need the one-word version.
Think of into as a bridge that connects a subject to a destination. It implies entry or insertion.
Key Uses of Into:
- Movement: She walked into the office.
- Transformation: The caterpillar turned into a butterfly.
- Interest (Slang): He is really into jazz music lately.
- Math: 5 goes into 20 four times.
If you are unsure, try replacing “into” with “inside”. If the sentence still makes sense, you should likely use into.
“I put the money into my pocket” → “I put the money inside my pocket.” (It works!)
When to Use “In to” (Two Words)
The two-word phrase in to occurs when “in” is actually part of the verb coming before it. This is often called a phrasal verb. In these cases, “in” is an adverb modifying the verb, and “to” is a separate preposition that just happens to follow it.
Here, “in” and “to” are merely neighbors; they are not married. The word “in” belongs to the action, not the destination.
Consider the sentence: “I dropped in to see my mom.”
The verb phrase here is “drop in” (meaning to visit). The word “to” starts the next thought (to see my mom). If you combined them into “dropped into,” it would imply you physically fell inside your mother, which is definitely not what you mean!
Common Phrasal Verbs using “In to”:
- Log in + to
- Turn in + to
- Hand in + to
- Break in + to
- Give in + to
“I logged inside the computer.” (This sounds unnatural and incorrect).
Quick Comparison: Into vs. In to
| Term | Function | Best Example |
|---|---|---|
| Into | Preposition of movement/change | “Get into the car.” |
| In to | Adverb (Phrasal Verb) + Preposition | “Turn your homework in to the teacher.” |
Real-World Examples
Movement (Use Into)
Correct: “The dog ran into the wall.”
Why: The dog is moving from one space to hit another. It is a direction.
Phrasal Verb (Use In to)
Correct: “The burglar broke in to steal the jewels.”
Why: The verb is “broke in” (forced entry). “To” starts the reason (to steal).
A Tricky Exception: “Turn Into”
Sometimes, the same verb can use both forms depending on the context. This is where English gets slippery. Look at the verb turn.
Submission
“He turned himself in to the police.”
(He submitted himself. Verb: “Turn in”.)
The Golden Rule
Pause and ask yourself: Is “in” part of the verb? If you are “logging in,” “giving in,” or “tuning in,” keep it separate from “to.” If you are physically entering a space or changing shape, snap them together into one word.
