step in
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle in
Meanings
Become involved in a difficult situation to help
Why “in”? You reach a place and become present there. The train gets in, you check in, or the news comes in.
“Police stepped in to break up the fight.”
“The teacher stepped in when the boys argued.”
Don't confuse with
Step in means join a difficult situation to help. Step up means increase effort or speed.
Test yourself
“Police stepped in to break up the fight.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
step up
A contrast learners often mix up
Increase effort or pace
ask in
Same in pattern: arrival
Invite someone to enter your home
barge in
Same in pattern: arrival
Enter a place rudely without permission
break in
Same in pattern: arrival
Enter a building illegally by force
bring in
Same in pattern: arrival
Introduce someone or something into a discussion or organisation; Earn money for a person or business; Introduce a new law, system or rule; Deliver a verdict in a court
burst in
Same in pattern: arrival
Enter a place suddenly and forcefully
call in
Same in pattern: arrival
Visit a place briefly, often on the way somewhere; Phone a workplace or radio station; Ask experts or professionals to come and help; Demand the return of money lent
cash in
Same in pattern: arrival
Take advantage of a situation for profit
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “step in”.
Practice “step in” in Sink In
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