# chip in

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chip-in
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They chipped in the party." but "They chipped in for the party." — The preposition 'for' is necessary to link the contribution to the event or item being purchased.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.