What are the definitions of “fold in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To mix or blend something into something else by folding it gently.
Fold the cocoa into the cake mixture.
- 2To close or shut down, especially a business or organization.
The company's going to fold in a matter of days. I've lost it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fold in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fold in is to mix or blend something into something else by folding it gently. This is often used in cooking or baking when you need to combine ingredients without overmixing or losing air.
What are the different verb forms of “fold in”?
| Root Verb | fold in |
| Third Person Singular Present | folds in |
| Present Participle | folding in |
| Simple Past | folded in |
| Past Participle | folded in |
Example
Please fold in the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.
Example
She folds in the egg whites carefully to maintain the fluffy texture.
Example
He is folding in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Example
Yesterday, she folded in the nuts into the cookie dough.
Example
The berries were folded in to the pancake batter.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fold 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
“fold 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 folded in the chocolate chips into the cookie dough.
Example
He folded the nuts in carefully to avoid breaking them.
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
“fold 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 folded in the chocolate chips into the cookie dough.
Example
He folded the nuts in carefully to avoid breaking them.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fold in”?
Good things to know
Does “fold in” have an informal or formal tone?
Fold in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. In cooking or baking, it is a common term used to describe the process of gently mixing ingredients. In other contexts, such as business or personal situations, it can be used to describe closing or shutting down, or reacting to challenges or difficulties.
