Explanation of "Bump Into"
Definition:
The phrase "bump into" is a phrasal verb that means to meet someone unexpectedly or by chance. It can also mean to collide lightly with something.
Usage Instructions:
When to Use: You can use "bump into" when you accidentally meet someone you know, like a friend or acquaintance, in a place you didn’t expect to see them.
Structure: It generally follows this pattern:
Example Sentences:
Meeting Someone: "I bumped into my teacher at the coffee shop yesterday."
Colliding Lightly: "Be careful not to bump into the furniture in the dark."
Advanced Usage:
Word Variants:
Different Meanings:
Physical Collision: While the primary meaning refers to meeting someone, it can also mean to hit something lightly (as in the suggestion you provided). For example, "I bumped into the wall while walking in the dark."
Synonyms:
For Meeting Someone: "Run into," "Encounter," "Come across."
For Colliding Lightly: "Hit," "Collide," "Knock into."
Idioms:
"Run into someone": This is similar to "bump into," meaning to meet someone unexpectedly.
"Bump in the road": This idiom means a small problem or obstacle that may cause a delay.
Related Phrasal Verbs:
"Run into": As mentioned, this is a synonym and can be used interchangeably in the context of meeting someone unexpectedly.
"Bump up": This means to increase something, such as prices or numbers.
Summary:
"Bump into" is a versatile phrase used to describe unexpected meetings or light collisions.