ENGLISH
REFERENCE

contract in

phrasal verb.
Definition

phrasal verb. to choose to join a system or agreement, especially one involving a pension or a legal contract.

phrasal verb. to formally elect to participate in a specific scheme, collective agreement, or legal arrangement; often used in the context of labour relations or financial systems.


SIMPLE

You must contract in if you want the extra benefits.

CONTEXTUAL

New employees are not automatically enrolled in the private healthcare plan; they must actively contract in during their first month.

COMPLEX

The legislation allowed union members to contract in to the political fund rather than having the contribution deducted by default.

  • opt in
  • join
  • sign up for
Particles
in
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
contract + in (+ to + object)
Usage

often used in British legal and employment contexts regarding pensions or union dues.

Teaching tip

contrast this with 'contract out', which is the more common term for leaving a collective system; emphasize that this is a formal, administrative action.

Pitfall

He contracted in the pension.He contracted in to the pension.the verb requires the preposition 'to' when followed by the specific scheme or system.

Last updated April 24, 2026