What are the definitions of “listen in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To secretly listen to a conversation.
At the hearth, the innkeep was adding chunks of some indefinable vegetable to the stew pot, but he stopped to listen in.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “listen in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb listen in is to secretly listen to a conversation without the knowledge of the people involved. It often implies eavesdropping or spying on someone's conversation.
What are the different verb forms of “listen in”?
| Root Verb | listen in |
| Third Person Singular Present | listens in |
| Present Participle | listening in |
| Simple Past | listened in |
| Past Participle | listened in |
Example
She tried to listen in on her parents' conversation.
Example
He listens in on his neighbors' conversations through the thin walls.
Example
The detective was listening in on the suspects' phone calls.
Example
Yesterday, they listened in on the meeting from outside the door.
Example
The conversation had been listened in on by a curious coworker.
What kind of phrasal verb is “listen 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
“listen 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
She listened in as her friends discussed their plans.
Example
The spy listened in on the secret meeting.
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
“listen 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 listened in as her friends discussed their plans.
Example
The spy listened in on the secret meeting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “listen in”?
Good things to know
Does “listen in” have an informal or formal tone?
Listen in 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 in journalism, law enforcement, or legal contexts.
