0
Tenacious Learner Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Come in / into

Hi teachers,

Can I conclude that the use of the preposition 'in' or 'into' after the verb 'came' depends if there is information where something happens or not?
For example:
His wife came into the pub a few secomds ago.
His wife came in a few seconds ago.

Thanks in advance
  

Top answer

His wife came into the pub a few seconds ago. His wife came in a few seconds ago. We have two points to consider: First, 'in' is an adverb when it does not head a noun phrase (which is the 'where it happens' that you mentioned, I suppose).

— Mister Micawber

  • His wife came into the pub a few seconds ago.
  • His wife came in a few seconds ago.
  • We have two points to consider: First, 'in' is an adverb when it does not head a noun phrase (which is the 'where it happens' that you mentioned, I suppose).
  • If the noun phrase follows, 'in' is a preposition.
  • So 'in' can be either an adverb or a preposition, while 'into' is only a preposition.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

2 Answers
0
His wife came into the pub a few seconds ago.
His wife came in a few seconds ago.

We have two points to consider:

First, 'in' is an adverb when it does not head a noun phrase (which is the 'where it happens' that you mentioned, I suppose). If the noun phrase follows, 'in' is a preposition. So 'in' can be either an adverb or a preposition, while 'into' is only
0
0
Mister Micawber(which is the 'where it happens' that you mentioned, I suppose)
Yes, your supposition is absolutely correct! (I'm sure you knew it)

And yes! Your explanation has helped me very much!!!
0

Related Questions