English Reference

Phrasal verb

fit in with

Definition

phrasal verb. to be similar to or match other things or people in a group so that you belong there.

phrasal verb. to be socially compatible with a group or to be consistent with a set of plans, ideas, or circumstances.

Examples

“He tries hard to fit in with his new colleagues.”

“The new sofa doesn't really fit in with the rest of the furniture in the living room.”

“The proposed legislative changes do not fit in with the government's long-term strategy for economic recovery and social stability.”

Examples

simple

“He tries hard to fit in with his new colleagues.”

contextual

“The new sofa doesn't really fit in with the rest of the furniture in the living room.”

complex

“The proposed legislative changes do not fit in with the government's long-term strategy for economic recovery and social stability.”

Usage

usually followed by a group of people, a style, or a pre-existing plan.

Teaching tip

contrast with the intransitive 'fit in' (to belong); adding 'with' allows the speaker to specify the exact group or environment being matched.

Pitfall

She fits in to the group.

She fits in with the group.

while 'fit into' is used for physical spaces or categories, 'fit in with' is the standard phrasal verb for social or conceptual harmony.

Phrasal verb

Particles

in with

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

fit + in + with + object

Synonyms

Antonyms

clashstand out

Grammar

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference