What are the definitions of “come in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Arrive for flights.
The plane CAME IN at two - thirty in the morning.
- 2Place or ranking in a competition, etc..
I did my best but CAME IN last but one in the race.
- 3Receive news.
Reports are just COMING IN of an assassination attempt on the President.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “come in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb come in is to enter a place, such as a room or a building. For example, when someone knocks on the door, you might invite them to come in and have a seat.
What are the different verb forms of “come in”?
| Root Verb | come in |
| Third Person Singular Present | comes in |
| Present Participle | coming in |
| Simple Past | came in |
| Past Participle | come in |
Example
Please come in and make yourself comfortable.
Example
She comes in the office every morning at 8 am.
Example
The guests are coming in one by one.
Example
He came in late to the meeting.
Example
The new employee has come in and started working.
What kind of phrasal verb is “come 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.)
Intransitive verb
“come in” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The train came in on time.
Example
The guests came in one by one.
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
“come 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 train came in on time.
Example
The guests came in one by one.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “come in”?
Good things to know
Does “come in” have an informal or formal tone?
Come in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context.
