Phrasal verb
be in
Meanings
to be inside a place; to be at home or present indoors
to be happening now; to be in season or fashionable
to be included in a plan, group, or activity
Definition
To be in means to be inside a place or to be at home.
To be in usually means to be inside a building or enclosed place, often at home. It can also mean that something (like a season or trend) has started and is happening now. In informal speech, it may mean that you are included in a plan or activity.
Examples
- I called, but nobody was in.
- Are you in, or should I come back later?
- He stayed in all weekend to finish his project.
- Bright colors are in this summer.
- They asked me to join the trip, and I said I was in.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse “be in” (inside/at home) with “be on” (operating or happening).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.