What are the definitions of “dob in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Report someone to teachers, authorities, etc.
He DOBBED me IN to the teacher.
- 2Contribute money.
Everyone DOBBED IN some cash to help.
- 3Pressure someone into doing something.
He needed some help, so DOBBED us IN.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “dob in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dob in is to report someone to teachers, authorities, or other people in charge. It means telling on someone or revealing their wrongdoing to someone who can take action.
What are the different verb forms of “dob in”?
| Root Verb | dob in |
| Third Person Singular Present | dobs in |
| Present Participle | dobbing in |
| Simple Past | dobbed in |
| Past Participle | dobbed in |
Example
She dobbed him in for cheating on the test.
Example
He always dobs in his classmates when they break the rules.
Example
She is dobbing in her coworker for stealing office supplies.
Example
He dobbed in his friend for skipping school.
Example
The thief was dobbed in by an anonymous tip.
What kind of phrasal verb is “dob 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
“dob 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 dobbed him in for cheating on the test.
Example
He dobbed in his friend for skipping school.
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
“dob 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 dobbed him in for cheating on the test.
Example
He dobbed in his friend for skipping school.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dob in”?
Good things to know
Does “dob in” have an informal or formal tone?
Dob in is an informal phrasal verb, mainly used in Australian and British English. It is not commonly used in formal settings or written language. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'report' or 'inform on' can be used.
