Phrasal verb
chip in
Definition
phrasal verb. You use this when you give some money or help to a group so you can pay for something together. It also means joining a conversation to add a quick comment.
phrasal verb. To contribute money or resources to a collective cause. The verb is frequently used intransitively or followed by a prepositional phrase starting with 'for' or 'with'.
Examples
“If we all chip in, we can afford a really nice cake.”
“The whole team decided to chip in twenty dollars each to buy a retirement gift for their manager.”
“During the meeting, several junior analysts chipped in with valuable insights that the senior partners had initially overlooked.”
Examples
simple
“If we all chip in, we can afford a really nice cake.”
contextual
“The whole team decided to chip in twenty dollars each to buy a retirement gift for their manager.”
complex
“During the meeting, several junior analysts chipped in with valuable insights that the senior partners had initially overlooked.”
Usage
Usually followed by 'for' when referring to the item bought or 'with' when referring to the specific contribution.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'pitch in'; while 'pitch in' emphasizes physical labor, 'chip in' is the standard choice for small financial contributions.
Pitfall
They chipped in the party.
They chipped in for the party.
The preposition 'for' is necessary to link the contribution to the event or item being purchased.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
chip + in (+ for + 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.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
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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