What are the definitions of “sit in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Occupy a building to protest about something.
The students SAT IN the Library as a protest against the increase in tuition fees.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sit in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sit in is to occupy a building or space as a form of protest. People usually sit in to show their disagreement with a decision or to demand change.
What are the different verb forms of “sit in”?
| Root Verb | sit in |
| Third Person Singular Present | sits in |
| Present Participle | sitting in |
| Simple Past | sat in |
| Past Participle | sat in |
Example
The workers sit in the factory to protest against the unfair treatment.
Example
She sits in the office to demand a meeting with the manager.
Example
The students are sitting in the cafeteria to protest the new rules.
Example
Last week, they sat in the park to raise awareness about climate change.
Example
The protesters had sat in the city hall for three days.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sit 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.)
Intransitive verb
“sit in” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The activists sat in to demand justice.
Example
The employees sat in to protest the layoffs.
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
“sit 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 activists sat in to demand justice.
Example
The employees sat in to protest the layoffs.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sit in”?
Sit-in protest
A form of nonviolent protest where people occupy a place and refuse to leave until their demands are met.
Example
The activists organized a sit-in protest at the company headquarters.
Good things to know
Does “sit in” have an informal or formal tone?
Sit in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, news reports, and academic discussions about protests and social movements.
