How could you explain to someone that you hit someone accidently? What words could you use to say you met someone unexpectedly and by accident? What if I told you could use the same words, exactly the same 2 words.
This is the beauty of phrasal verbs, but also makes people crazy when they used. Both of these phrases originated in the early 1800’s.
1. Meaning of Bump into:
When we meet someone without meaning to or by accident.
- You’ll never guess who I bumped into at the market.
- I bumped into Fred yesterday and he said to say hi to you.
Dialog:
Eugene: Hey Kathy! I am so glad I bumped into you today.
Kathy: Hey Eugene, why are glad you bumped into me?
Eugene: Well, I ran into Frank and he said we were all going out this weekend?
Kathy: Yes… yes. Frank and I bumped into each other at bar. So we were talking about getting together to have a BBQ.
Eugene: OK, fantastic. I look forward to it!
Kathy: Great, it is BYOB. If you bump into Sally or Brenda, please let them know.
Eugene: Sure will!
2. Meaning of Bump into:
When you accidently hit, crash, or collide with someone or something without meaning to.
- I hurt my arm when I bumped into the door last night.
- The boat bumped into the dock and damaged the side.
Dialog:
Brandon: Hello.Hey Dean great, to hear from you.
Dean: Hey Brandon, I am calling to let you know that I bumped into….. OUCH!
Brandon: Hello? You bumped into who? Ouch?
Dean: Sorry. I am walking and talking on my cell phone and I bumped into a glass door.
Brandon: That’s funny. Are you alright?
Dean: Yeah. Just bruised my ego, that all.
Brandon: Ok, well I better go. If I bump into Jack and the gang, do you want me to tell them about our get together next week?
Dean: Sure. Thanks!
Other words you can create: noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc. (ex: mug – mugger)
Bumping into
Bumped into
Bang into
Related Phrasal Verbs:
Meet up with: this phrase is used, in the context of bump into, to say that we met with someone or some people informally.
- We were at the mall and saw Bill and his wife so we met up with them later. It was great to bump into them and catch up.
Run Into: this is a phrase that has a similar meaning to bump into.
- I was walking today and using my phone and bumped into a sign and then later I ran into a door. Cell phones can be dangerous!
Come Across: when used in the context of bump into, we use to express meeting or finding someone or something by chance.
- We were walking and we came across this great little restaurant and we happened to bump into Phil and Serendipity eating there.
Chance upon: we use the phrase to express that we found something or someone by chance.
- I was driving and bumped into the police car in front of me and as I was about to get out of my car I chanced upon the policeman. It was my brother.
Stumble upon: we use to say that we met someone or something by chance and also it can mean we tripped on something.
- I stumbled upon a fantastic park and as I was entering the gat I bumped into a tree and fell over.
Related idioms:
Run smack into: when you physically hit something directly on, we say you ran smack into something.
Smash into: when we hit someone or something accidently and with force.
- When I was riding my bike, I smashed into a pole and ten bumped into a car.
Cross Paths: when you when you meet someone by chance or by accident.
- I met my wife when we crossed paths at a party and then we bumped into each other a coffee shop we both live close to. I guess it was Fate. By the way, her name is Fate.
Synonyms (other ways to say):
- Run into
