Phrasal verb
dive in
Definition
phrasal verb. to start doing something with energy and without waiting. You use this when you want to begin a task or a meal right away.
phrasal verb. to initiate an activity or task with enthusiasm and without hesitation. This phrasal verb is intransitive and functions as a prompt or a description of a vigorous start.
Examples
“The dinner is ready, so everyone please dive in.”
“Instead of spending weeks on research, the developers decided to dive in and build a basic version of the app.”
“The new CEO chose to dive in immediately, restructuring the department within her first week to address the long-standing efficiency issues.”
Examples
simple
“The dinner is ready, so everyone please dive in.”
contextual
“Instead of spending weeks on research, the developers decided to dive in and build a basic version of the app.”
complex
“The new CEO chose to dive in immediately, restructuring the department within her first week to address the long-standing efficiency issues.”
Usage
usually used without an object to describe starting a task or eating.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'dive into', which requires a following noun; 'dive in' is the intransitive counterpart used for encouragement.
Pitfall
We should dive in the discussion.
We should dive into the discussion.
use 'dive into' when followed by a noun; 'dive in' is used alone without an object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
dive + 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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