What does the phrasal verb “sail into” mean?

What are the definitions of “sail into”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Criticise angrily.

  He SAILED INTO me for turning up an hour late.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sail into”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sail into is to criticize someone angrily. It is often used when someone is very upset or disappointed with another person's actions or behavior.

What are the different verb forms of “sail into”?

Root Verb	sail into
Third Person Singular Present	sails into
Present Participle	sailing into
Simple Past	sailed into
Past Participle	sailed into

Example

She sailed into her coworker for not finishing the project on time.

Example

He sails into his son for not doing his homework.

Example

She is sailing into her friend for forgetting her birthday.

Example

Yesterday, the teacher sailed into the student for not paying attention in class.

Example

He had sailed into his colleague for not following the instructions.

What kind of phrasal verb is “sail into”?

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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

“sail 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

The coach sailed into the team for their poor performance.

Example

She sailed into her brother for not helping with the chores.

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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

“sail 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

The coach sailed into the team for their poor performance.

Example

She sailed into her brother for not helping with the chores.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sail into”?

Sail into a storm

To enter a difficult or challenging situation, often unknowingly or unprepared.

Example

The company sailed into a storm when they launched their new product without proper market research.

Sail into view

To come into sight, especially when referring to a boat or ship.

Example

As we stood on the shore, a beautiful yacht sailed into view.

Sail into port

To arrive at a harbor or dock, typically referring to a boat or ship.

Example

The cruise ship sailed into port early in the morning, bringing hundreds of tourists to the city.

Good things to know

Does “sail into” have an informal or formal tone?

Sail into is generally considered informal when used to mean criticizing someone angrily. It is more commonly used in casual conversations and may not be appropriate for formal settings. However, when used in other contexts, such as describing a boat or ship entering a harbor, it can be used in both informal and formal situations.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “sail into”?

Synonyms

• scold
• reprimand
• chastise
• berate
• upbraid
• castigate
• rebuke

Antonyms

• praise
• compliment
• applaud
• congratulate
• encourage
• support