# creep in

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to start to happen or appear slowly and quietly, often in a way that you do not want.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Doubts creeped in." but "Doubts crept in." — the past tense of 'creep' is 'crept', not 'creeped'.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.