Friday, October 1, 2010

In to vs. Into, On to vs. Onto: All About the Verb



Carla writes:
Hi Snarky! Would you please run through when to use in to and when to use into? I also mix up on to and onto. Thank you!
Sure thing, Carla. This question tends to crop up only when we're writing, since both options sound identical in spoken English. Sometimes it's about the preposition. But more often, it's about the verb.

Quick rules:
  • There should generally be only one preposition per phrase. 
  • Use the prepositions into and onto to indicate movement from one place to another. I stepped into the room. He stepped onto the podium. She jumped into the pool. I tossed my book onto the desk.
  • You can often use into and onto interchangeably with in and on, which are also prepositions. She jumped in the pool. I tossed my book on the desk. In both sentences, the sense of movement is obvious through context.
  • If the preposition is an integral part of a phrasal verb, also known as a two-word verb*, then don't consider it a preposition; consider it part of the verb. Keep phrasal verbs intact.


    1. Correct: The robbers will break in to the bank at 6pm. The phrasal verb is 'break in,' meaning to enter without permission. In is part of the verb and the preposition is to.
      Incorrect: The robbers will break into the bank at 6pm. The phrasal verb has been corrupted.
    2. Correct: I'll look into this matter before the end of the day. The phrasal verb 'to look into' means to investigate.
      Incorrect: I'll look in to this matter before the end of the day. The back-to-back prepositions in this phrase signals the error.
    3. Correct: Turn your paper in to your teacher. The phrasal verb 'to turn in' means to submit. In is part of the verb and to is the preposition.
      Even better: Turn in your paper to your teacher. The phrasal verb is kept together.
      Incorrect: Turn your paper into your teacher. Shazam! Your paper is now your teacher. 'To turn into' is another phrasal verb meaning to transform. D'oh, that's not what you meant.
    4. Correct: I am really into alternative music. The phrasal verb 'to be into' means to be passionate about.
      Incorrrect: I am really in to alternative music. The double preposition is the clue that there is an error.

10 comments:

  1. Nicely done - thanks for that!!!!
    Malc.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Probably the best explanation I've found so far, but I'm still searching for an answer to this example:

    He was called into the office.
    He was called in to the office.

    Is "called in" a phrasal verb to be kept intact?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "He was called in to the office." is correct. Although there are cases when "call in" is considered a phrasal verb, in this particular example "called in" is just a regular verb-preposition combination. "Call in" becomes a phrasal verb when it is used to mean "to ask for help", as in, "to call in a lawyer", or " to communicate by phone", as in, Has the boss called in today?

      Delete
  3. Hey enormous stuff or pleasant information you are offering here.Grammarly review

    ReplyDelete
  4. A common error I have seen in the newspaper is, "He turned the drugs into police." And for my next trick ...

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  5. I literally had grammar mistakes whenever i wrote essay and then i have had to reword my essay for correction but now i learn lot of tips to improve.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What about the following phrase: "He drove his car onto the beach" Is it correct? or should "onto" be changed for "into"?

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