Phrasal verbs with "in" often involve the idea of entering, inclusion, involvement, or focusing inward. The particle "in" adds the meaning of going inside, being engaged, or bringing something within.
Common meanings of "in" in phrasal verbs
- Entering or coming inside (e.g. go in, break in)
- Joining or participating (e.g. chip in, join in)
- Submission or input (e.g. hand in, send in)
- Inward focus or attention (e.g. tune in, lock in)
Tips to remember
- Think of "in" as moving from outside to inside — physically, emotionally, or mentally.
- Many “in” phrasal verbs are about becoming part of something or starting involvement.
Example
I decided to join in the discussion and then hand in my report.
Full list of phrasal verbs with in
be in
to be at home or in a particular place
break in
to enter a building illegally
bring in
to introduce or earn (something)
come in
to enter a place
fall in
to line up in formation
get in
to enter (a place, vehicle, or situation)
give in
to stop resisting, to surrender
set in
to begin and seem likely to continue
take in
to absorb or understand something