RedPen Editing
Breaking words
Some words can be broken in two.
Into breaks into in and to!
When should ‘into’ be one word? When should ‘in to’ be two words? The answer depends on the context …
The word ‘into’ is split into two words when the ‘in’ and the ‘to’ belong with other words before/after them.
- Jane called in / to the chemist to collect her prescription.
The unbroken word ‘into’ is used when it belongs only to what follows, and indicates some sort of movement.
- John ran into the shop.
Here are some more examples:
- She will cook for anyone. Any one of you might like to wash up afterwards.
- Jane will stay awhile if you wish. You’d like Jane to stay for a while, wouldn’t you?
- These are my everyday work clothes. I work every day apart from Sunday.
- Everyone is coming to the show. Every one of them has booked a seat.
- Studying for two more years may be important to you, but maybe I’d rather leave school and get a job.
- I sign up to work overtime to increase my earnings. Over time, I’ve saved enough to pay for a holiday.
Some words that should be two words are sometimes presented (in error!) as one word:
- a lot
- any more
- thank you