The only semi-airtight distinction between "enter" and "enter INTO" lies in the realm of physical entry. You enter a room, a building, or any physical space that can be seen as "enclosing" you. "Into" is not necessary, and is not generally used for this meaning. Even then, however, there are a few exceptions:
Last week the Sudanese government extended a protocol for another three months to allow the UPDF to enter into the Sudan to pursue the rebels.
Sandy Jeff, an American woman who suffered multiple fractures, said: "I saw two men in black dress entering into the hall from the back door."
Normally, however, physical movement into a space is expressed with "enter" alone. Using "enter into" for physical entry is redundant, for one thing. I would not recommend it for standard usage, although I haven't found any reference source that says so.
"Enter" alone is used when someone becomes an active participant or member in an institution or group. You enter college, a specific competition, a contest, a profession, a career, the work force, politics, a club, etc. Google shows these examples (and lots more):
"” He tried to enter politics once previously, as a candidate for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament Party, but says he has been considering entering mainstream politics for some time.
"” The best way to enter the profession is by obtaining a degree in nursing through a medical college or university affiliated college.
You can also enter INTO the same kinds of institution or active group. This usage is much less common than "enter" alone. "Enter into college" or any other educational institution is very rare.
You enter INTO an activity that involves joint action between or among two or more people. A person or group can enter INTO negotiations, a conspiracy, an alliance, a collaboration, an agreement, a dialogue, a group decision, a deal, a partnership, an arrangement, a judicial plea by a group, etc. This is the most frequent kind of use.
Here are a couple of examples from Google:
"” The Georgia Department of Revenue has entered into an alliance with the companies listed below to offer free on-line filing services to qualified Georgia taxpayer
"” Evidence introduced at trial showed that Jingles initially entered into the conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine in the late 1980's, ...
"Enter" alone, however, may also be used in these same circumstances:
"” The defendant has never challenged the existence of a conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Rather, the defendant's consistent position, both at trial and on appeal, is that he never knowingly and voluntarily entered the conspiracy charged in the indictment.
"” UK City firm Linklaters set the ball rolling by entering an alliance with a view to merging with top Dutch firm De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek , both now part of Linklaters & Alliance.
"” Fine made the decision to enter the arrangement and negotiated the arrangement on behalf of Renaissance.
Marilyn Martin
