Phrasal verb
butt in
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
butt in
Past
butted in
Past participle
butted in
Definition
phrasal verb. to interrupt a conversation or join an activity when you are not invited. You use this when someone is being a bit rude or annoying by speaking out of turn.
phrasal verb. to interrupt a conversation or activity rudely or uninvited. The verb is intransitive, though it frequently collocates with 'on' when an object is specified.
Examples
“He always tries to butt in when we are talking.”
“I was having a private chat with my manager when a colleague decided to butt in and ask about lunch.”
“Although the junior analyst had several insights to share, he knew better than to butt in while the CEO was delivering the keynote address.”
Examples
simple
“He always tries to butt in when we are talking.”
contextual
“I was having a private chat with my manager when a colleague decided to butt in and ask about lunch.”
complex
“Although the junior analyst had several insights to share, he knew better than to butt in while the CEO was delivering the keynote address.”
Usage
usually used as an intransitive verb without a direct object.
Teaching tip
highlight the physical metaphor of 'butting' like a goat to help students remember the sense of forceful or rude entry into a space.
Pitfall
Don't butt in my business.
Don't butt in on my business.
the phrasal verb requires the preposition 'on' if a specific activity or topic follows it.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
butt + 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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