come into: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal, depending on context.
Quick answer
What does “come into” mean?
To enter, inherit, or begin to experience something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To enter, inherit, or begin to experience something.
Often used to indicate the start of a state, the acquisition of money or property (especially through inheritance), or becoming involved or relevant in a situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference in core usage. 'Come into' for inheritance is equally common. Slight preference in UK English for 'come into' with abstract nouns like 'fashion' or 'play'.
Connotations
Neutral in both variants.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “come into” in a Sentence
[Subject] + come into + [Noun Phrase (object)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “come into” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The treaty will come into force in November.
- He unexpectedly came into a title when his uncle passed.
American English
- The new tax code comes into effect next year.
- She came into a lot of money after the lawsuit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The new regulations will come into effect next quarter.
Academic
Several factors come into play when analysing demographic shifts.
Everyday
She came into a small inheritance from her aunt.
Technical
The safety protocol comes into operation automatically.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “come into”
- *He came into the inheritance. (Correct: He came into an inheritance/came into money.)
- *The law came into. (Must have an object: came into force/effect.)
- Using it without an object as a complete phrasal verb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot say 'come it into' or 'come into it money'.
'Come into' is more informal and can refer to money or property from any source, not strictly a deceased relative. 'Inherit' is more formal and specific to legal succession.
Yes, very commonly. E.g., 'come into fashion', 'come into conflict', 'come into question'.
No. You can 'come into conflict' or 'come into disrepute'. It simply marks the beginning of a state.
To enter, inherit, or begin to experience something.
Come into is usually neutral to formal, depending on context. in register.
Come into: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌm ˌɪn.tə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌm ˌɪn.t̬ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “come into one's own”
- “come into the world”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a door. You COME INTO a room (enter). You can also COME INTO money (it enters your possession).
Conceptual Metaphor
POSSESSION IS ENTERING ONE'S SPACE; BEGINNING IS ENTERING A STATE.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'come into' mean in: 'After years of struggle, the artist finally came into his own.'