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Thread: Alternative word for "run into" (to meet by chance)

  1. 09-Mar-2012, 13:08 #1
    Winwin2011
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    Default Alternative word for "run into" (to meet by chance)

    What is an alternative word for "run into" (to meet by chance: ran into an old friend)? I couldn't find it from dictionaries. Could anybody help me, please?
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  2. 09-Mar-2012, 13:10 #2
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    Default Re: Alternative word for "run into" (to meet by chance)

    Quote Originally Posted by Winwin2011 View Post
    What is an alternative word for "run into" (to meet by chance: ran into an old friend)? I couldn't find it from dictionaries.
    Could anybody help me, please?
    Why do you need an alternative?
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  3. 09-Mar-2012, 13:13 #3
    Winwin2011
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    Default Re: Alternative word for "run into" (to meet by chance)

    Quote Originally Posted by bhaisahab View Post
    Why do you need an alternative?
    Thanks bhaisahab

    Run into is a phrasal verb. I think phrasal verbs are difficult for non-native children to remember. Children might write "I ran in an old friend last Sunday"
    Last edited by Winwin2011; 09-Mar-2012 at 13:25.
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  4. 09-Mar-2012, 13:57 #4
    SoothingDave
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    Default Re: Alternative word for "run into" (to meet by chance)

    You could "happen upon" somebody.
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  5. 09-Mar-2012, 14:48 #5
    TheParser
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    Default Re: Alternative word for "run into" (to meet by chance)

    ***** NOT A TEACHER *****

    I communicated with Professor Google, who gave me these results:

    run into
    bump into
    chance upon
    run across
    come across
    happen upon
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  6. 09-Mar-2012, 15:11 #6
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    Default Re: Alternative word for "run into" (to meet by chance)

    If you're writing for kids, why not use "saw" or "met"?
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