in/into

[kohyoongliat]

She looked into/in the mirror.

Which word should I use?

[Harry Smith]

She looked into/in the mirror.

Which word should I use?

Both are ok.

[kohyoongliat]

Thanks, Harry.

But do the sentences using 'in' and 'into' have the same meaning?

Many thanks.

[Harry Smith]

Thanks, Harry.

But do the sentences using 'in' and 'into' have the same meaning?

Many thanks.

No, they are different. You should feel the difference.

[Miss fer]

No, they are different. You should feel the difference.

It's very difficult "to feel" differences, just native speakers have the "feeling" when something is correct or not.

[Harry Smith]

It's very difficult "to feel" differences, just native speakers have the "feeling" when something is correct or not.

I can't agree with you. If you speak English fluently you feel the differences.

[Barb_D]

Yoong Liat,
For me, "into" has more of an in-depth sense of looking. I could "peer" (stare hard) into the mirror, but not in it.

If I just want to see see if I have spinach in my teeth, I'd take a quick glance in the mirror. If I wanted to see if the stress I've been under is showing in my eyes, I'd peer into the mirror.

[Jason72]

You are speaking off-subject... If you want to discuss about ''feeling when something's wrong'', please start a new thread!

All the best!

[Jason72]

And, btw., I agree with Barb_D.

[Miss fer]

I can't agree with you. If you speak English fluently you feel the differences.

Fluency isn't the point of what i've meant Harry.
I just wanted to say that if you are trying to teach english to students you (or anyone) can't tell him/her : "well, just write what you feel it's correct" because they don't have that "feeling" yet.
From my point of view, we should provide an explanation, as barb_D tried to.

Jason: I think it would be awkward to open a new topic because of this.

Greetings.