Phrasal verb
book in
Definition
phrasal verb. to arrange a time for a service or to register when you arrive at a place like a hotel. You use this when you make an appointment or sign in.
phrasal verb. To register a person's arrival at a facility or to schedule a specific time for a service. The verb functions transitively, often taking a reflexive or third-party object, or intransitively when the subject is the one being registered.
Examples
“I need to book in for a check-up at the dentist.”
“When you arrive at the spa, please book in at the reception desk to receive your robe.”
“The administrative staff worked tirelessly to book in over two hundred delegates before the keynote speaker was scheduled to begin the opening ceremony.”
Examples
simple
“I need to book in for a check-up at the dentist.”
contextual
“When you arrive at the spa, please book in at the reception desk to receive your robe.”
complex
“The administrative staff worked tirelessly to book in over two hundred delegates before the keynote speaker was scheduled to begin the opening ceremony.”
Usage
Commonly followed by 'at' for locations or 'for' for specific services.
Teaching tip
Highlight that 'book in' is particularly common in British English; in American English, 'check in' or simply 'book' is more frequent.
Pitfall
I need to book in the hotel.
I need to book in at the hotel.
When referring to a location, the preposition 'at' is required after 'book in'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
optional
Pattern
book + (object) + in
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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