What are the definitions of “drill into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Repeat something many times to make someone learn it.
The teacher DRILLED the rules INTO the students.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “drill into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb drill into is to repeat something many times to make someone learn it. This is often used in the context of teaching or training, where information or skills are reinforced through repetition.
What are the different verb forms of “drill into”?
| Root Verb | drill into |
| Third Person Singular Present | drills into |
| Present Participle | drilling into |
| Simple Past | drilled into |
| Past Participle | drilled into |
Example
The coach drills into the players the importance of teamwork.
Example
She drills into her students the importance of good study habits.
Example
He is drilling into the new employees the company's safety procedures.
Example
The instructor drilled into us the proper technique for CPR.
Example
The multiplication tables were drilled into our heads when we were young.
What kind of phrasal verb is “drill 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
“drill 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
The teacher drilled the rules into the students.
Example
The coach drilled the importance of teamwork into the players.
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
“drill 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
The teacher drilled the rules into the students.
Example
The coach drilled the importance of teamwork into the players.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “drill into”?
Good things to know
Does “drill into” have an informal or formal tone?
Drill into is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings such as education, training, or professional environments.
