What are the definitions of “bash in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Break, damage or injure by hitting.
The burglars BASHED the door IN to enter the house.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bash in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bash in is to break, damage, or injure something by hitting it forcefully. This action often results in a visible change or destruction of the object being hit.
What are the different verb forms of “bash in”?
| Root Verb | bash in |
| Third Person Singular Present | bashes in |
| Present Participle | bashing in |
| Simple Past | bashed in |
| Past Participle | bashed in |
Example
He tried to bash in the door with a hammer.
Example
She bashes in the old car's window to get inside.
Example
He is bashing in the wooden crate to open it.
Example
The storm bashed in the roof of the house.
Example
The mailbox was bashed in by vandals.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bash 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.)
Transitive verb
“bash in” 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
He bashed in the door to save the trapped person.
Example
She bashed the window in to get some fresh air.
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
“bash 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 bashed in the door to save the trapped person.
Example
She bashed the window in to get some fresh air.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bash in”?
Bash in someone's head
To hit someone's head with great force, often with the intent to cause serious injury or death.
Example
In the movie, the villain tried to bash in the hero's head with a baseball bat.
Good things to know
Does “bash in” have an informal or formal tone?
Bash in is an informal phrasal verb that is typically used in casual conversations. It is not commonly used in formal writing or professional settings. In more formal contexts, words like 'break,' 'damage,' or 'destroy' may be more appropriate.
