What are the definitions of “rope in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Get somebody to help.
The teacher ROPED her students IN to carry her stuff when she had to change classroom.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rope in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb rope in is to ask or persuade someone to help with a task or activity. It often implies that the person being asked was not initially involved or interested in the task.
What are the different verb forms of “rope in”?
| Root Verb | rope in |
| Third Person Singular Present | ropes in |
| Present Participle | roping in |
| Simple Past | roped in |
| Past Participle | roped in |
Example
I need to rope in some friends to help me move this weekend.
Example
She always ropes in her family to help with the party preparations.
Example
He is roping in his coworkers to participate in the charity event.
Example
They roped in their neighbors to help clean up the park.
Example
The volunteers were roped in to assist with the fundraiser.
What kind of phrasal verb is “rope 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
“rope 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 roped in her friends to help with the project.
Example
He roped his coworkers in to join the charity event.
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
“rope 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 roped in her friends to help with the project.
Example
He roped his coworkers in to join the charity event.
Good things to know
Does “rope in” have an informal or formal tone?
Rope in is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, more formal alternatives such as 'enlist,' 'recruit,' or 'involve' can be used.
