What are the definitions of “live in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Live in the place where you work or study..
The university has a residential halls. where students can LIVE IN.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “live in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb live in is to reside or stay in a place where you work or study. For example, it can mean living on a university campus, staying in a house where you work as a nanny, or residing in a company-provided apartment.
What are the different verb forms of “live in”?
| Root Verb | live in |
| Third Person Singular Present | lives in |
| Present Participle | living in |
| Simple Past | lived in |
| Past Participle | lived in |
Example
Many students choose to live in dormitories on campus.
Example
She lives in the house where she works as a caregiver.
Example
He is living in a company apartment while working on the project.
Example
Last year, they lived in a shared house near the university.
Example
He has lived in several different places while studying abroad.
What kind of phrasal verb is “live 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
“live 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 lives in the house where she works.
Example
He lived in a dormitory during his first year of college.
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
“live 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 lives in the house where she works.
Example
He lived in a dormitory during his first year of college.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “live in”?
Live-in nanny
A childcare provider who resides in the family's home and takes care of the children.
Example
They hired a live-in nanny to help with their three young kids.
Live-in partner
A person who lives with their romantic partner without being married.
Example
They have been live-in partners for five years and plan to get married soon.
Live-in caregiver
A professional who provides care and assistance to an elderly or disabled person while residing in their home.
Example
Her grandmother has a live-in caregiver to help with daily tasks and medical needs.
Good things to know
Does “live in” have an informal or formal tone?
Live 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 settings, such as academic or professional discussions.
