"in to" and "on to" vs "into" and "onto"

Question

Occasionally when writing "into" or "onto", I think it's actually more appropriate to write "in to" or "on to".
Examples:
"I'm on to you."
"He's trying to blend in to the group."
"You have to check in to the hotel before you check out."

Matt Beckwith, M.D.
http://drbeckwith.com

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]Occasionally when writing "into" or "onto", I think it's actually more appropriate to write "in to" or "on to". Examples: "I'm on to you."[/nq]
I see what you mean, but that is not what AmE usage, as documented by MWCD10, seems to be.
Main Entry: 1on·to
Pronunciation: 'on-(")tü, 'än-
Function: preposition
Date: 1581

2 : in or into a state of awareness about
[nq:1]"He's trying to blend in to the group."[/nq]
To "blend in" *to* something is definitely wrong. "Into" is a must here.
[nq:1]"You have to check in to the hotel before you check out."[/nq]
For this one it's either "check in at the hotel" or "check into the hotel", but not your version. I'd use the former. In this particular case "check into" is a phrase that may also mean to investigate.

MWCD10 again:
Main Entry: in·to
Pronunciation: 'in-(")tü, -t&
Function: preposition
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English intO, from 2in + tO to Date: before 12th century

1 used as a function word to indicate entry, introduction, insertion,superposition, or inclusion
2 a : to the state, condition, or form of b : to theoccupation, action, or possession of c : involved with or interested in
3 used as a function word to indicate a period of time or an extent ofspace part of which is passed or occupied
4 : in the direction of
5 : to a position of contact with : AGAINST
6 used as a function word to indicate the dividend in division

Remember, MWCD10 is documenting the predominant AmE usage. There are variations, of course, but the main usage is a given.
Skitt (in SF Bay Area) http://www.geocities.com/opus731/ I speak English well I learn it from a book!
Manuel (Fawlty Towers)

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Occasionally when writing "into" or "onto", I think it's actually more appropriate to write "in to" or "on to". Examples: "I'm on to you."[/nq]
Okay.
[nq:1]"He's trying to blend in to the group."[/nq]
Looks odd.
[nq:1]"You have to check in to the hotel before you check out."[/nq]
Okay.
This is an area I don't think proof-readers would be wise to lose much sleep over.
Adrian

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Occasionally when writing "into" or "onto", I think it's actually more appropriate to write "in to" or "on to". Examples: "I'm on to you."[/nq]
This is an idiom or something.
[nq:1]"He's trying to blend in to the group."[/nq]
"Blend in" is a fixed phrase; its meaning is not exactly the sum of its parts. I'd say "blend in with the group".
[nq:1]"You have to check in to the hotel before you check out."[/nq]
"Check in" is fixed too. It applies mostly to hotels.

"in to" and "on to" vs "into" and "onto"

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