Phrasal verb
creep in
Definition
phrasal verb. to start to happen or appear slowly and quietly, often in a way that you do not want.
phrasal verb. to begin to occur or become noticeable in a gradual, subtle, or insidious manner, often despite efforts to prevent it.
Examples
“Errors often creep in when you are tired.”
“As the meeting went on, a sense of boredom began to creep in among the staff.”
“Despite the rigorous editing process, several typographical errors managed to creep in before the final manuscript was sent to the printer.”
Examples
simple
“Errors often creep in when you are tired.”
contextual
“As the meeting went on, a sense of boredom began to creep in among the staff.”
complex
“Despite the rigorous editing process, several typographical errors managed to creep in before the final manuscript was sent to the printer.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “creep in” in context.
Noun
01. bad habits creep in
“It is easy to let bad habits creep in when you stop following a strict routine.”
noun + verb
02. doubts creep in
“Despite his confidence, a few doubts began to creep in as the deadline approached.”
noun + verb
03. errors creep in
“If you don't proofread your work carefully, small errors will inevitably creep in.”
noun + verb
04. prejudice creeps in
“The judge warned that personal prejudice often creeps in during long trials.”
noun + verb
Adverb
05. gradually creep in
“As the meeting dragged on, a sense of boredom began to gradually creep in.”
adv + verb
06. slowly creep in
“Doubts about the project's success started to slowly creep in after the third delay.”
adv + verb
Usage
usually used with abstract subjects like feelings, mistakes, or doubts.
Teaching tip
the verb 'creep' suggests a slow, quiet movement like a cat; use this image to help students understand how mistakes or feelings arrive unnoticed.
Pitfall
Doubts creeped in.
Doubts crept in.
the past tense of 'creep' is 'crept', not 'creeped'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
creep + in
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 IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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