What are the definitions of “walk in on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Enter somewhere unexpectedly and see something.
He WALKED IN ON them planning to sack him.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “walk in on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb walk in on is to enter a place unexpectedly and see something or someone, usually in a surprising or awkward situation. For example, it can mean entering a room and finding someone in the middle of a private conversation or a secret activity.
What are the different verb forms of “walk in on”?
| Root Verb | walk in on |
| Third Person Singular Present | walks in on |
| Present Participle | walking in on |
| Simple Past | walked in on |
| Past Participle | walked in on |
Example
I accidentally walked in on my roommate while she was changing.
Example
He always walks in on people when they are having private conversations.
Example
She is walking in on her friends planning a surprise party for her.
Example
Yesterday, I walked in on my coworkers gossiping about our boss.
Example
He had walked in on his parents discussing their financial problems.
What kind of phrasal verb is “walk in 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
“walk in 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
I walked in on my sister while she was practicing her dance routine.
Example
He walked in on his friends playing video games.
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
“walk in 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
I walked in on my sister while she was practicing her dance routine.
Example
He walked in on his friends playing video games.
Good things to know
Does “walk in on” have an informal or formal tone?
Walk in 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, depending on the specific context.
