Level A2

Into: entering enclosed space

In tells where something is (the cat is in the box). Into tells where it goes from outside to inside (the cat jumped into the box), or what it becomes (cut it into two parts).

The cat jumped into the box.

Look: The cat jumped into the box. It was outside, now it is inside.

Forms

• The cat is in the box. — already inside: in
• The cat jumped into the box. — moving from outside to inside: into
• Cut it into two parts. — one thing becomes parts or another thing: into

A common mistake

Wrong: Split the class to two groups.

Right: Split the class into two groups.

Many people say split the class to two groups, but the class becomes two groups. We say: Split the class into two groups.

More examples

The caterpillar turned into a butterfly.

One thing becomes another, so into: The caterpillar turned into a butterfly.

My keys are in my bag.

The keys are already there, nothing moves: My keys are in my bag.