What are the definitions of “phone in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To participate in a radio or television program by making a phone call.
A phone-in programme was in progress, and the irritation he immediately felt at the banalities being exchanged kept his adrenaline flowing.
- 2To make a phone call, especially to report something or communicate information.
Kevin’s just phoned in sick, so he won’t be at the meeting.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “phone in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb phone in is to make a phone call, usually to report something or communicate information. For example, it can mean calling your workplace to inform them that you are sick or participating in a radio or television program by making a phone call.
What are the different verb forms of “phone in”?
| Root Verb | phone in |
| Third Person Singular Present | phones in |
| Present Participle | phoning in |
| Simple Past | phoned in |
| Past Participle | phoned in |
Example
I need to phone in my order for lunch.
Example
She phones in her vote for the singing competition.
Example
He is phoning in his report to the boss.
Example
Yesterday, they phoned in their reservations for the restaurant.
Example
The results have been phoned in and tallied.
What kind of phrasal verb is “phone 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.)
Transitive verb
“phone 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
She phoned in her order to the pizza place.
Example
He phoned his report in to the boss.
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
“phone 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 phoned in her order to the pizza place.
Example
He phoned his report in to the boss.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “phone in”?
Phone-in program
A radio or television program where listeners or viewers can participate by making phone calls.
Example
The radio station hosts a weekly phone-in program where people can discuss their opinions on current events.
Good things to know
Does “phone in” have an informal or formal tone?
Phone in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in a business context or when discussing a phone-in program on a news channel.
