What does the phrasal verb “tuck into” mean?

What are the definitions of “tuck into”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Start eating something.

  I was starving and TUCKED INTO the food.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tuck into”?

The phrasal verb tuck into is primarily used to describe the act of enthusiastically starting to eat something.

What are the different verb forms of “tuck into”?

Root Verb	*tuck into*
Third Person Singular Present	*tucks into*
Present Participle	*tucking into*
Simple Past	*tucked into*
Past Participle	*tucked into*

Example

I was starving and tucked into the food.

Example

She always tucks into her breakfast with gusto.

Example

They're excitedly tucking into their favorite dishes.

Example

Last night, he tucked into a delicious homemade meal.

Example

The buffet was irresistible, and everyone had tucked into their meals.

What kind of phrasal verb is “tuck into”?

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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

“tuck into” 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

I was starving and tucked into the food.

Example

She always tucks into her breakfast with enthusiasm.

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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

“tuck into” 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

I was starving and tucked into the food.

Example

She always tucks into her breakfast with enthusiasm.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tuck into”?

Start eating something

To describe the action of enthusiastically beginning to consume food.

Example

I was starving and tucked into the food.

Good things to know

Does “tuck into” have an informal or formal tone?

The phrasal verb tuck into is informal in nature and is commonly used in everyday conversations, particularly when talking about meals and eating. It is suitable for both casual and formal settings.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “tuck into”?

Synonyms

• begin eating
• dig in
• start feasting
• start consuming
• start dining

Antonyms

• stop eating
• abstain from food
• put down utensils