# creep into

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to start happening or appearing in a slow way that you do not notice at first.

For teachers: to begin to affect or be part of something gradually and often imperceptibly; frequently used with abstract nouns like doubt, fear, or bias.

## Examples

- Doubts began to creep into her mind.
- As the meeting went on, a note of frustration started to creep into his voice.
- Despite the author's attempts at objectivity, personal political biases occasionally creep into the narrative, coloring the historical analysis.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Errors creeped into the report." but "Errors crept into the report." — the past tense of 'creep' is the irregular form 'crept'.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by an abstract noun or a physical space where something is slowly entering.
- Teaching tip: highlight the metaphorical connection to the physical verb 'creep' (moving slowly and quietly) to help students visualize how an idea or feeling 'sneaks' into a situation.

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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.