What does the phrasal verb “pack in” mean?

What are the definitions of “pack in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Stop doing something.

  I'm trying to PACK IN smoking.

• 2. End a relationship.

  She PACKED her boyfriend IN.

• 3. Fill a venue.

  They really PACK them IN at the club- it was so crowded it was impossible to move.

• 4. Break down, stop working.

  The photocopier has PACKED IN again.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pack in”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pack in is to stop doing something, especially a habit or activity. For example, it can mean quitting smoking, giving up a hobby, or stopping a particular behavior.

What are the different verb forms of “pack in”?

Root Verb	pack in
Third Person Singular Present	packs in
Present Participle	packing in
Simple Past	packed in
Past Participle	packed in

Example

She decided to pack in her job and travel the world.

Example

He packs in his bad habits one by one.

Example

She is packing in her unhealthy eating habits.

Example

Last year, he packed in smoking for good.

Example

She had packed in her job to start her own business.

What kind of phrasal verb is “pack in”?

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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

“pack 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

He packed in his job to pursue his passion.

Example

She packed in her relationship with her boyfriend.

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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

“pack 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 packed in his job to pursue his passion.

Example

She packed in her relationship with her boyfriend.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pack in”?

Pack them in

Fill a venue with a large number of people.

Example

The concert was so popular that it packed them in from all over the city.

Pack in a lot

To do many activities or fit a lot of things into a short period of time.

Example

We packed in a lot of sightseeing during our weekend trip.

Pack it in

To stop doing something, often used as a command.

Example

He told his noisy neighbors to pack it in and be quiet.

Good things to know

Does “pack in” have an informal or formal tone?

Pack in is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. It may not be suitable for formal writing or professional settings. Instead, use more formal synonyms like 'quit,' 'stop,' or 'cease' in such contexts.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “pack in”?

Synonyms

• quit
• stop
• cease
• end
• abandon
• give up
• terminate
• break off

Antonyms

• start
• begin
• continue
• resume
• persist
• maintain
• carry on