In English, we commonly use phrasal verbs with “into” to express our interest in something in different ways. Look at some of the examples below:
1) Be into sth → like / be interested in
- I’m really into jazz music.
- She was into sailing when she was younger.
- I used to be into video games, but not anymore.
- I’m not really into horror movies.
- She’s really into fashion.
2. Get into sth → start liking / start doing
- I got into yoga last year.
- I just got into photography recently.
- I want to get into cooking more.
- I’d like to get into learning Spanish.
- I just can’t get into that TV series.
- My friend got me into hiking.
3. Get back into sth → return to an old interest/activity
- I’m getting back into painting.
- I want to get back into running.
- I’d like to get back into reading novels.
Watch the Interview & Answer the Questions:
- Is the interviewee saying that:
a) he is currently interested in MMA
b) he used to like MMA
c) he wants to learn more about MMA
Answer
Is the interviewee saying that:
a) he is currently interested in MMA
b) he used to like MMA
c) he wants to learn more about MMA
2. Is the interviewer saying that:
a) he used to like golf but would like to learn more about rugby
b) he started playing golf and he used to be interested in rugby
c) he wasn’t interested in rugby but wants to learn more about golf
Answer
Is the interviewer saying that:
a) he used to like golf but would like to learn more about rugby
b) he started playing golf and he used to be interested in rugby
c) he wasn’t interested in rugby but wants to learn more about golf
Transcript
Interviewer: Hey, what do you do for fun?
Interviewee: I‘m massively into MMA. What about you?
Interviewer: Nice! Well, I used to be into rugby, but I recently just got into golf!
Below shows how these phrases can be used in different tenses:
1. Past Interest
- I used to be into… (but not anymore)
- She was into sailing when she was younger.
2. Starting a New Interest (Entry point)
- I just got into… recently.
- I got into yoga last year.
- I want to get into…
- I’d like to get into…
3. Current Ongoing Interest (Present stage)
- I’m really into…
- I’m not really into…
- She’s really into fashion.
4. Returning to an Old Interest (Re-entry point)
- I’m getting back into…
- I want to get back into…
- I’d like to get back into…
5. Losing Interest / Can’t Enjoy (Exit stage)
- I just can’t get into that TV series. It was so slow!
- I can’t get into house music. It’s just not my sort of thing!
6. Influenced by Others (External trigger, fits anywhere in timeline)
- My friend got me into hiking.
- I’m trying to get my mate into formula 1, but he doesn’t seem that interested.
Practice:
Write a short paragraph about YOUR interests. Include what you:
- used to be into
- started getting into
- are into (at present)
- would like to get back into
- couldn’t get into
- got into because of somebody
Sample Answer
When I was a kid, I used to be into video games. I watched the Ryder Cup recently, so I’ve started getting into golf more. I‘m really into learning about artificial intelligence and writing at the moment. I’d like to get back into 5-aside football or some kind of fun social sport. My friends always speak highly of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” but I just couldn’t get into it. I got into CrossFit because of my mate who’s a bit of a fitness freak.
