What are the definitions of “reel in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Catch a fish on a line and pull the line to land.
He REELED IN a ten - pound salmon.
- 2Attract people, especially customers, to get them to do what you want them to.
They hope the discounts will REEL people IN.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “reel in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb reel in is to catch a fish on a line and pull the line to land. It is often used when talking about fishing activities. For example, it can mean catching a fish and bringing it closer to the shore or boat.
What are the different verb forms of “reel in”?
| Root Verb | reel in |
| Third Person Singular Present | reels in |
| Present Participle | reeling in |
| Simple Past | reeled in |
| Past Participle | reeled in |
Example
He reeled in a big fish during his fishing trip.
Example
She reels in the fishing line slowly and carefully.
Example
He is reeling in the fish he just caught.
Example
Yesterday, they reeled in several fish from the lake.
Example
The fish was reeled in and released back into the water.
What kind of phrasal verb is “reel 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
“reel 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 reeled in a ten-pound salmon.
Example
She reeled the fish in with great skill.
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
“reel 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 reeled in a ten-pound salmon.
Example
She reeled the fish in with great skill.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “reel in”?
Good things to know
Does “reel in” have an informal or formal tone?
Reel in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing fishing or attracting people. In more formal settings, it may be replaced with synonyms like 'attract' or 'catch'.
