What are the definitions of “suck in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Become involved in something unpleasant.
Everyone around her was taking drugs and she got SUCKED IN.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “suck in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb suck in is to become involved in something unpleasant or undesirable, often unintentionally. It usually refers to a situation where someone is influenced or drawn into a negative situation.
What are the different verb forms of “suck in”?
| Root Verb | suck in |
| Third Person Singular Present | sucks in |
| Present Participle | sucking in |
| Simple Past | sucked in |
| Past Participle | sucked in |
Example
He didn't want to join the gang, but he got sucked in by peer pressure.
Example
She sucks in her friends into her drama.
Example
He is sucking in innocent people into his scam.
Example
I sucked in my friend into the argument, and I regret it.
Example
They were sucked in by the cult's charismatic leader.
What kind of phrasal verb is “suck 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
“suck 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
He got sucked in by the negative environment.
Example
She was sucked in by the dangerous crowd.
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
“suck 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
He got sucked in by the negative environment.
Example
She was sucked in by the dangerous crowd.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “suck in”?
Suck someone/something in
To draw someone or something into a situation or place.
Example
The vacuum cleaner sucked in the dust from the floor.
Good things to know
Does “suck in” have an informal or formal tone?
Suck in is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'become involved in' or 'get drawn into' can be used.
