Phrasal verb
dig in
Definition
phrasal verb. To start eating your food with energy. You use this to tell your friends or family they can start their meal.
phrasal verb. To begin eating a meal heartily; the verb is typically intransitive when used as an invitation. It can also signify the act of entrenching oneself or preparing for a sustained effort.
Examples
“The pizza is on the table, so dig in!”
“As soon as the host put the roast on the table, he told everyone to dig in while it was still hot.”
“Despite the formal setting of the gala, the guests were so hungry that they began to dig in before the keynote speaker had even finished his opening remarks.”
Examples
simple
“The pizza is on the table, so dig in!”
contextual
“As soon as the host put the roast on the table, he told everyone to dig in while it was still hot.”
complex
“Despite the formal setting of the gala, the guests were so hungry that they began to dig in before the keynote speaker had even finished his opening remarks.”
Usage
This is an informal expression often used as a friendly command to start a meal.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'tuck in' (British) and note the irregular past tense 'dug' to prevent the common error 'digged'.
Pitfall
They digged in as soon as the food arrived.
They dug in as soon as the food arrived.
The past tense of 'dig' is 'dug', not 'digged'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
dig + 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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