What are the definitions of “kick in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1When a drug starts to take effect.
Her hayfever didn't feel half as bad once the antihistamines had KICKED IN.
- 2Break something with your feet.
They KICKED his head IN.
- 3Contribute money.
I'll KICK IN for some of the beer if you will buy the pizza.
- 4Start having an effect.
The budget cuts are starting to KICK IN and people are struggling.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “kick in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb kick in is when something starts to have an effect or begins to work. It is often used to describe the moment when a drug starts to take effect, or when a new policy or change starts to impact people.
What are the different verb forms of “kick in”?
| Root Verb | kick in |
| Third Person Singular Present | kicks in |
| Present Participle | kicking in |
| Simple Past | kicked in |
| Past Participle | kicked in |
Example
The medicine will kick in soon, and you'll feel better.
Example
The caffeine usually kicks in after a few minutes.
Example
The new law is kicking in, and people are noticing the changes.
Example
The pain relief kicked in after about half an hour.
Example
Once the adrenaline kicked in, she was able to lift the heavy object.
What kind of phrasal verb is “kick 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
“kick 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
The painkillers finally kicked in.
Example
The new policy kicked in last month.
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
“kick 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 painkillers finally kicked in.
Example
The new policy kicked in last month.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “kick in”?
Good things to know
Does “kick in” have an informal or formal tone?
Kick in is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. It may not be suitable for formal writing or professional settings. In such cases, alternative phrases like 'begin to take effect' or 'start working' can be used.
