What are the definitions of “hem in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To surround or confine someone or something.
A white van hemmed me in.
- 2To restrict or confine someone or something.
Don’t hem in your child with endless restrictions.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hem in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hem in is to surround or confine someone or something, making it difficult for them to move or escape. It can also mean to restrict or limit someone's actions or choices.
What are the different verb forms of “hem in”?
| Root Verb | hem in |
| Third Person Singular Present | hems in |
| Present Participle | hemming in |
| Simple Past | hemmed in |
| Past Participle | hemmed in |
Example
The tall bushes hem in the small garden.
Example
The fence hems in the animals to keep them safe.
Example
The crowd is hemming in the performer, making it hard for her to move.
Example
The traffic hemmed in our car, and we couldn't change lanes.
Example
The small room was hemmed in by bookshelves on all sides.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hem 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
“hem 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
The mountains hem in the valley.
Example
The teacher hemmed the students in to prevent them from leaving.
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
“hem 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
The mountains hem in the valley.
Example
The teacher hemmed the students in to prevent them from leaving.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hem in”?
Good things to know
Does “hem in” have an informal or formal tone?
Hem in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or speech.
