Phrasal verb
come in
Meanings
to enter a room, building, or enclosed space
to be allowed to enter; used to give permission or invite someone inside
to arrive or be received (such as a train, call, message, or information)
Definition
To come in means to enter a place, especially a room or building.
To come in most commonly means to enter a room, building, or space from outside. It is often used as a friendly invitation or permission, especially when someone knocks on a door. It can also mean to arrive, such as a train, email, or information becoming available.
Examples
- I knocked, and she told me to come in.
- Please come in and take a seat near the window.
- He came in quietly so he wouldn’t wake the baby.
- They came in late because traffic was heavy.
- The results finally came in after lunch.
Common mistake
Learners often say "come inside" in every situation, but "come in" is more natural for entering a room or when inviting someone through a door.
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.