Phrasal verb
plug into
Definition
phrasal verb. to connect a piece of equipment to a power supply or another device. You can also use this when you connect to a source of information or a group of people.
phrasal verb. to establish a physical or logical connection between a component and a larger system, such as a power grid or data network. It also functions figuratively to describe integration into a social or professional environment.
Examples
“You should plug your phone into the charger before the battery dies.”
“The consultant was able to plug into the company's existing workflow and start contributing immediately without needing extensive training.”
“By utilizing the new API, developers can plug into our core infrastructure to build custom applications that leverage our proprietary data sets and cloud computing resources.”
Examples
simple
“You should plug your phone into the charger before the battery dies.”
contextual
“The consultant was able to plug into the company's existing workflow and start contributing immediately without needing extensive training.”
complex
“By utilizing the new API, developers can plug into our core infrastructure to build custom applications that leverage our proprietary data sets and cloud computing resources.”
Usage
Requires a destination object after 'into', such as a socket, network, or community.
Teaching tip
Use the physical action of plugging in a lamp to anchor the more abstract meaning of joining a network or social group.
Pitfall
He plugged the computer to the outlet.
He plugged the computer into the outlet.
While 'to' is sometimes heard, 'into' is the standard preposition for establishing this specific connection.
Phrasal verb
Particles
into
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
plug + (object) + into + object
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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