What are the definitions of “buy in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Force a CD or record into the charts by buying lots of copies.
Joe Meek's last hit,' Singin' the Blues', was probably BOUGHT IN at number 40, but failed to go any higher.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “buy in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb buy in is to force a CD or record into the charts by buying lots of copies. This is done to make the song or album appear more popular than it actually is.
What are the different verb forms of “buy in”?
| Root Verb | buy in |
| Third Person Singular Present | buys in |
| Present Participle | buying in |
| Simple Past | bought in |
| Past Participle | bought in |
Example
The record company bought in the new album to boost its chart position.
Example
She buys in her favorite artist's albums to help them reach the top of the charts.
Example
He is buying in multiple copies of the CD to increase its sales.
Example
They bought in the song, but it didn't go any higher on the charts.
Example
The album was bought in to reach the top 10, but it only reached number 15.
What kind of phrasal verb is “buy in”?
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
“buy 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
The producer bought in the new single to boost its popularity.
Example
She bought in 100 copies of the album to help it reach the top of the charts.
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
“buy 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
The producer bought in the new single to boost its popularity.
Example
She bought in 100 copies of the album to help it reach the top of the charts.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “buy in”?
Good things to know
Does “buy in” have an informal or formal tone?
Buy in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in conversations about the music industry and chart positions. In more formal settings, it may be used to discuss marketing strategies or sales tactics.
