Phrasal verb
settle in
Definition
phrasal verb. to become comfortable and feel at home in a new place or situation. You use this when you move to a new house or start a new job.
phrasal verb. to become established or comfortable in a new environment, such as a residence or workplace. The verb is typically intransitive in this sense, though it may be followed by a prepositional phrase.
Examples
“I need a few days to settle in before I start my new job.”
“Once the students settle in and find their seats, we will begin the first lesson of the semester.”
“The diplomat found it difficult to settle in, as the local customs and political climate were vastly different from those of his previous posting.”
Examples
simple
“I need a few days to settle in before I start my new job.”
contextual
“Once the students settle in and find their seats, we will begin the first lesson of the semester.”
complex
“The diplomat found it difficult to settle in, as the local customs and political climate were vastly different from those of his previous posting.”
Usage
This phrase is often followed by the preposition 'to' when mentioning a specific place.
Teaching tip
Contrast this with 'settle down' to help students distinguish between getting comfortable in a new place and starting a stable, permanent life.
Pitfall
I am settling down in my new office.
I am settling in to my new office.
'Settle down' refers to a long-term lifestyle change like getting married, while 'settle in' refers to the process of getting used to a new environment.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
settle + 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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