What are the definitions of “jump in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Enter a conversation.
He JUMPED IN and told them exactly what he thought.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “jump in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb jump in is to enter a conversation suddenly or unexpectedly. It often implies that someone starts talking or giving their opinion without being asked or invited to do so.
What are the different verb forms of “jump in”?
| Root Verb | jump in |
| Third Person Singular Present | jumps in |
| Present Participle | jumping in |
| Simple Past | jumped in |
| Past Participle | jumped in |
Example
Whenever there's a debate, she always jumps in with her opinion.
Example
He jumps in whenever he hears someone discussing politics.
Example
She is jumping in the conversation to share her thoughts.
Example
Yesterday, he jumped in the discussion about climate change.
Example
She had jumped in the conversation to correct a misunderstanding.
What kind of phrasal verb is “jump 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.)
Intransitive verb
“jump in” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He jumped in and told them exactly what he thought.
Example
She jumped in the conversation to share her thoughts.
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
“jump 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
He jumped in and told them exactly what he thought.
Example
She jumped in the conversation to share her thoughts.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “jump in”?
Good things to know
Does “jump in” have an informal or formal tone?
Jump in is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. However, in very formal situations, it might be more appropriate to use synonyms like 'intervene' or 'interject'.
