What are the definitions of “dip in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Put something in a liquid for a short time.
I DIPPED the brush IN the paint and began painting the wall.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “dip in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dip in is to put something into a liquid for a short time. This can be used when talking about dipping a brush in paint, dipping a cookie in milk, or dipping a spoon in a sauce.
What are the different verb forms of “dip in”?
| Root Verb | dip in |
| Third Person Singular Present | dips in |
| Present Participle | dipping in |
| Simple Past | dipped in |
| Past Participle | dipped in |
Example
She dipped the cookie in the milk before eating it.
Example
He dips the brush in the paint before starting his artwork.
Example
She is dipping the spoon in the soup to taste it.
Example
Yesterday, I dipped my hand in the water to check the temperature.
Example
The strawberries were dipped in chocolate and served as dessert.
What kind of phrasal verb is “dip 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
“dip 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 dipped the cookie in the milk.
Example
He dipped the brush in the paint.
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
“dip 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 dipped the cookie in the milk.
Example
He dipped the brush in the paint.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dip in”?
Good things to know
Does “dip in” have an informal or formal tone?
Dip 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, depending on the specific context.
