# contract in

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contract-in
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- You must contract in if you want the extra benefits.
- New employees are not automatically enrolled in the private healthcare plan; they must actively contract in during their first month.
- The legislation allowed union members to contract in to the political fund rather than having the contribution deducted by default.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He contracted in the pension." but "He contracted in to the pension." — the verb requires the preposition 'to' when followed by the specific scheme or system.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.