What does the phrasal verb “book in” mean?

What are the definitions of “book in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Make a reservation in advance.

  I'll BOOK us IN at the Intercontinental.

• 2. Check in at a hotel.

  WE took a taxi from the airport to the hotel and BOOKED IN.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “book in”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb book in is to make a reservation in advance, usually for a hotel or other accommodation. It can also mean checking in at a hotel when you arrive.

What are the different verb forms of “book in”?

Root Verb	book in
Third Person Singular Present	books in
Present Participle	booking in
Simple Past	booked in
Past Participle	booked in

Example

We need to book in at the hotel before our trip.

Example

She books in at the same hotel every time she visits the city.

Example

They are booking in at the resort for their vacation.

Example

Last week, he booked in at the conference hotel.

Example

We had booked in at the hotel, but our plans changed.

What kind of phrasal verb is “book in”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“book in” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She booked in at the hotel for the weekend.

Example

They booked themselves in at the bed and breakfast.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“book in” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She booked in at the hotel for the weekend.

Example

They booked themselves in at the bed and breakfast.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “book in”?

Book in advance

To make a reservation or appointment before the actual date or time.

Example

It's a popular restaurant, so we should book in advance to secure a table.

Book in for a session

To reserve a spot in a class, workshop, or other event.

Example

I booked in for a yoga class at the local studio.

Book in a meeting

To schedule a meeting or appointment.

Example

We need to book in a meeting with the client to discuss the project.

Good things to know

Does “book in” have an informal or formal tone?

Book in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as business meetings or official correspondence.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “book in”?

Synonyms

• reserve
• schedule
• arrange
• register
• secure
• sign up

Antonyms

• cancel
• postpone
• reschedule
• withdraw
• abort
• terminate