What are the definitions of “stand in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To act as a substitute or replacement for someone or something.
If you get sick, they cancel or the stand-in goes on and either way the punters ain't happy.
- 2To temporarily take someone's place or do someone's job while they are away or unavailable.
I’ll be standing in for Peter while he’s away.
- 3To temporarily take someone's place or do someone's job for them.
She really ought to be going - she'd promised to stand in for Daphne.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stand in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stand in is to act as a substitute or replacement for someone or something. It is often used when someone is temporarily taking another person's place or doing their job while they are away or unavailable.
What are the different verb forms of “stand in”?
| Root Verb | stand in |
| Third Person Singular Present | stands in |
| Present Participle | standing in |
| Simple Past | stood in |
| Past Participle | stood in |
Example
She will stand in for the manager during the meeting.
Example
He stands in for the teacher when she is sick.
Example
She is standing in for the lead actor during rehearsals.
Example
He stood in for the coach during the game last week.
Example
She has stood in for her colleague on several occasions.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stand 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
“stand 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
She stood in for the absent teacher.
Example
He stood in as the team captain.
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
“stand 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 stood in for the absent teacher.
Example
He stood in as the team captain.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stand in”?
Stand-in
A person who substitutes for an actor or performer during rehearsals or filming.
Example
The stand-in practiced the scene before the main actor arrived.
Good things to know
Does “stand in” have an informal or formal tone?
Stand in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in a professional context when discussing someone temporarily taking over a role or responsibility.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “stand in”?
Synonyms
- substitute
- replace
- cover
- deputize
- fill in
- take over
- act as
- serve as
