Phrasal verb
eat in
Definition
phrasal verb. to have a meal at home instead of going to a restaurant.
phrasal verb. to consume a meal within one's own residence; often used to contrast with dining out or ordering food to be taken away.
Examples
“I'm tired, so let's just eat in tonight.”
“We decided to eat in because the weather was too cold to walk to the local bistro.”
“While many urban professionals prefer the convenience of local eateries, there is a growing trend toward eating in to save money and control ingredients.”
Examples
simple
“I'm tired, so let's just eat in tonight.”
contextual
“We decided to eat in because the weather was too cold to walk to the local bistro.”
complex
“While many urban professionals prefer the convenience of local eateries, there is a growing trend toward eating in to save money and control ingredients.”
Usage
usually functions as an intransitive verb with no direct object.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'eat out' (at a restaurant) and 'take away' (buying food to bring home); note that 'eat in' can also be used in fast-food contexts to mean eating inside the shop.
Pitfall
We ate in the home.
We ate in.
the phrase 'eat in' already implies 'at home' or 'on the premises', so adding 'the home' is redundant.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
eat + 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/eat-in