I had a chance encounter with my ex-girlfriend

[angliholic]

I had a chance encounter with/ran across my ex-girlfriend at the park the other day.



Do both of the underlined versions fit in the above sample and mean about the same? Thanks.

[Hi_there_Carl]

I had a chance encounter with my ex-girlfriend at the park the other day.

or

I ran into my ex-girlfriend at the park the other day.

ran across is usually used in reference to objects or articles found by accident as in: I ran across an article about grammar in the paper today.

[angliholic]

Originally Posted by Hi_there_Carl

I had a chance encounter with my ex-girlfriend at the park the other day.

or

I ran into my ex-girlfriend at the park the other day.

ran across is usually used in reference to objects or articles found by accident as in: I ran across an article about grammar in the paper today.

Thanks, Carl.

But I still have some doubt. I think "ran across people" also works, doesn't it?

[Hi_there_Carl]

Yes, I suppose it might be used in this way:

I was looking through the phone book and I ran across the name of an old friend of mine.

[abra]

Isn't it 'ran into my ex-girlfriend'

[Hi_there_Carl]

Yes, As I said above, I think ran into is the best choice.