What are the definitions of “pin on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Attach the blame to someone.
The police tried to PIN the crime ON him.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pin on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pin on is to attach the blame or responsibility for something to someone, often unfairly. It means accusing someone of doing something wrong or making them responsible for a problem.
What are the different verb forms of “pin on”?
| Root Verb | pin on |
| Third Person Singular Present | pins on |
| Present Participle | pinning on |
| Simple Past | pinned on |
| Past Participle | pinned on |
Example
They tried to pin the blame on her for the mistake.
Example
He always pins on his failures to bad luck.
Example
She is pinning on the responsibility to her coworker.
Example
The crime was pinned on an innocent person.
Example
The blame was pinned on the wrong person.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pin on”?
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
“pin on” 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
They pinned the blame on her for the mistake.
Example
The crime was pinned on an innocent person.
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
“pin on” 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
They pinned the blame on her for the mistake.
Example
The crime was pinned on an innocent person.
Good things to know
Does “pin on” have an informal or formal tone?
Pin on 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 legal or professional situations.
