What are the definitions of “plunge into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To jump or dive into something quickly and forcefully.
Four police officers plunged into freezing water to rescue a man yesterday.
- 2To put something quickly into a liquid or substance.
Plunge the sliced onions into boiling water.
- 3To suddenly experience or be affected by something, often something negative or intense.
The city was plunged into total darkness when the entire electrical system failed.
- 4To start or engage in something enthusiastically or without hesitation.
This was not the time to be plunging into some new business venture.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “plunge into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb plunge into is to jump or dive into something quickly and forcefully. It can be used to describe a person jumping into water or a situation where someone starts doing something with great energy and enthusiasm.
What are the different verb forms of “plunge into”?
| Root Verb | plunge into |
| Third Person Singular Present | plunges into |
| Present Participle | plunging into |
| Simple Past | plunged into |
| Past Participle | plunged into |
Example
She decided to plunge into the swimming pool to cool off.
Example
He plunges into his work every morning with great enthusiasm.
Example
They are plunging into the new project with high hopes.
Example
She plunged into the cold water to save the drowning child.
Example
The city was plunged into darkness after the power outage.
What kind of phrasal verb is “plunge into”?
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
“plunge into” 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 plunged into the swimming pool.
Example
He plunged the onions into boiling water.
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
“plunge into” 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 plunged into the swimming pool.
Example
He plunged the onions into boiling water.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “plunge into”?
Good things to know
Does “plunge into” have an informal or formal tone?
Plunge into 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 writing or speech, depending on the specific context.
