What does the phrasal verb “cram in” mean?

What are the definitions of “cram in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To fit a lot of something into a limited amount of time.

  How much surfing can you cram into one afternoon?

• 2. To try to do a lot of things in a short amount of time.

  I wanted to cram in visits to a few more places before we left.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cram in is to fit a lot of something into a limited amount of time or space. It is often used when talking about trying to do many things in a short period or fitting many items into a small space.

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

Root Verb	cram in
Third Person Singular Present	crams in
Present Participle	cramming in
Simple Past	crammed in
Past Participle	crammed in

Example

She tried to cram in as many activities as possible during her vacation.

Example

He crams in a lot of studying before the exam.

Example

They are cramming in as much sightseeing as they can before leaving the city.

Example

We crammed in a lot of shopping during our trip.

Example

She had crammed in so many clothes into her suitcase that it wouldn't close.

What kind of phrasal verb is “cram 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

“cram 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 crammed in a lot of studying before the test.

Example

They crammed in as many activities as possible during their vacation.

📝

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

“cram 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 crammed in a lot of studying before the test.

Example

They crammed in as many activities as possible during their vacation.

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

Cram in a lot of information

To try to learn or memorize a large amount of information in a short period, usually before an exam or presentation.

Example

He crammed in a lot of information the night before the exam.

Cram in as much as possible

To try to do or experience as many things as possible in a limited amount of time.

Example

We crammed in as much sightseeing as possible during our weekend trip.

Cram in too much

To try to fit too many things or activities into a limited amount of time, often resulting in stress or exhaustion.

Example

She crammed in too much work and ended up feeling overwhelmed.

Good things to know

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

Cram in is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'fit in,' 'accomplish,' or 'complete' may be more appropriate.

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

Synonyms

• accomplish
• complete
• compress
• fit in
• squeeze in
• pack in
• stuff in
• shoehorn in

Antonyms

• allocate
• distribute
• divide
• separate
• spread out
• space out