What are the definitions of “sit on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be on a committee.
She's SAT ON the finance committee from the beginning.
- 2To handle somebody firmly who behaves impertinently, conceitedly.
If his girlfriend finds out, she'll get mad and SIT ON him.
- 3Hold information back or keep it secret.
The government have been SITTING ON the report because it was so critical.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sit on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sit on is to be a member of a committee or group. It means that someone is part of a team or organization and participates in its activities or decision-making process.
What are the different verb forms of “sit on”?
| Root Verb | sit on |
| Third Person Singular Present | sits on |
| Present Participle | sitting on |
| Simple Past | sat on |
| Past Participle | sat on |
Example
She sits on the school board to help make decisions for the students.
Example
He sits on the neighborhood association to improve the community.
Example
She is sitting on the finance committee to help manage the budget.
Example
Last year, he sat on the fundraising committee for the charity event.
Example
She has sat on the finance committee since its inception.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sit on”?
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 on” 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
She sat on the finance committee from the beginning.
Example
He sat on the neighborhood association to improve the community.
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 on” 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 sat on the finance committee from the beginning.
Example
He sat on the neighborhood association to improve the community.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sit on”?
Good things to know
Does “sit on” have an informal or formal tone?
Sit on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in business meetings or official documents, depending on the specific context.
