prepositions - Change of meaning by replacing "into" with "in"


If you replace into with in, can a sentence change its meaning?


For example, are the two sentences below equivalent in meaning?



I placed the coin into her hand.


I placed the coin in her hand.




Answer



If you choose the right sentence, the meaning can indeed change.



I took the statue in the garden.


I took the statue into the garden.



In the first sentence, "in the garden" modifies statue, and specifies which statue you took. In the second, "into the garden" modifies "took", and specifies where you took the statue.


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