What are the definitions of “dip into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Read parts of a book, but not all.
I've been DIPPING INTO the book, but haven't read it properly.
- 2Take money out of your savings.
I've had to DIP INTO my savings account to pay for the works on my house.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “dip into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dip into is to take a small amount of something, usually money or information, from a larger source. For example, it can mean taking money from your savings account or reading parts of a book without reading the entire book.
What are the different verb forms of “dip into”?
| Root Verb | dip into |
| Third Person Singular Present | dips into |
| Present Participle | dipping into |
| Simple Past | dipped into |
| Past Participle | dipped into |
Example
She likes to dip into different books to learn new things.
Example
He dips into his savings account to pay for unexpected expenses.
Example
She is dipping into her favorite novel before going to sleep.
Example
Yesterday, they dipped into their emergency fund to fix the car.
Example
The money has been dipped into for various purposes.
What kind of phrasal verb is “dip into”?
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 into” 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 into her savings to buy a new phone.
Example
He dipped into the book to find some interesting facts.
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 into” 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 into her savings to buy a new phone.
Example
He dipped into the book to find some interesting facts.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dip into”?
Briefly join or listen to a conversation without fully participating.
Example
She dipped into the conversation to share her opinion on the topic.
Good things to know
Does “dip into” have an informal or formal tone?
Dip into 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.
