Is "into the skin" in this sentence correct?
Make sure you spread the ointment into the skin.
This sentence is from a vocabulary book that I am learning English with.
I thought "onto the skin" or "on the skin" is right instead of "into the skin".
If either is possible to use, then what is the difference between them?
Best Answer
Your example sentence
is grammatically correct and understandable with the meaning
however the phrasing may be found awkward by native speakers. The awkwardness arises from the use of spread...into.
Skin is a surface which things are usually placed on, over, or through and sometimes into
Ointment can be applied over skin and then allowed to penetrate into the skin due to the latter's permeability.
may convey the message you want with less awkwardness