What are the definitions of “send in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Order people into a place to handle a problem.
The police were SENT IN to quell the riot as the protesters had started burning cars and wrecking shops.
- 2Write to get information.
If you want to enter the competition, you have to SEND IN for an entry form.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “send in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb send in is to order people to go into a place to handle a problem or situation. For example, it can mean sending police officers to control a riot or sending soldiers to a conflict area.
What are the different verb forms of “send in”?
| Root Verb | send in |
| Third Person Singular Present | sends in |
| Present Participle | sending in |
| Simple Past | sent in |
| Past Participle | sent in |
Example
The government decided to send in the military to restore order.
Example
The manager sends in a technician to fix the problem.
Example
They are sending in reinforcements to help the team.
Example
The company sent in a team of experts to assess the situation.
Example
The firefighters were sent in to rescue the trapped people.
What kind of phrasal verb is “send 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
“send 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
The government sent in the military to restore order.
Example
The manager sent in a technician to fix the problem.
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
“send 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
The government sent in the military to restore order.
Example
The manager sent in a technician to fix the problem.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “send in”?
Send in an application
To submit an application, usually in writing, for a job, school, or program.
Example
She sent in her application for the scholarship last week.
Good things to know
Does “send in” have an informal or formal tone?
Send in 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 business, government, and academic environments.
