English Reference

Phrasal verb

come in

Definition

phrasal verb. to enter a room or a building.

phrasal verb. to enter a physical space; often used as an imperative or a polite invitation to cross a threshold.

Examples

“Please come in and sit down.”

“The teacher told the students to come in quietly because the exam had already started.”

“As the storm intensified, the hikers were relieved when the innkeeper finally invited them to come in and warm themselves by the fire.”

Examples

simple

“Please come in and sit down.”

contextual

“The teacher told the students to come in quietly because the exam had already started.”

complex

“As the storm intensified, the hikers were relieved when the innkeeper finally invited them to come in and warm themselves by the fire.”

Usage

often used alone as a command or invitation, but can be followed by 'to' and a specific place.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'go in' to show perspective; 'come in' implies the speaker is already inside the destination.

Pitfall

He came in the room.

He came into the room.

use 'into' when followed by a specific destination; 'come in' is usually used without a following noun phrase.

Phrasal verb

Particles

in

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

come + in

Synonyms

enterstep insidegain entry

Antonyms

Related words

Grammar

This entry

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.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL 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: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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English Reference