in/into

[Winwin2011]

1. She's gone into the house.
2. Helen came into the room.

Can we use either "in" or "into" in the above sentences? Is there a difference between "in" or "into" in the said context?

Thanks.

 

[emsr2d2]

"Helen came in the room" is ambiguous and could have a rather vulgar meaning. You'll hear it but, to be safe, stick to "into" with "come/came".

However, "He's gone in the house" and "He's gone into the house" are both fine and you'll hear both. There is an outside chance that if someone was talking about a dog with a weak bladder, they might say "He's gone in the house" to mean "He has urinated/defecated somewhere in the house" but the context would make it clear if that were the meaning.

 

[Winwin2011]

"Helen came in the room" is ambiguous and could have a rather vulgar meaning. You'll hear it but, to be safe, stick to "into" with "come/came".

.

Thanks ems.

Are the following sentences using "in" natural?

1. Please come in my office.
2. May I come in?

 

[5jj]

1. Please come in my office.
2. May I come in?

They are both fine.

 

[emsr2d2]

Thanks ems.

Are the following sentences using "in" natural?

1. Please come in my office.
2. May I come in?

#2 is fine. The same problem exists with #1 that I mentioned before when using the verb "to come". I'm afraid that some people would snigger at that invitation or request. I would say "Please come into my office."