English Reference

Phrasal verb

hook into

Definition

phrasal verb. to connect something to a larger system or power supply; it can also mean to get involved with a group or activity.

phrasal verb. to establish a connection with a larger network, system, or organization; often used in technical contexts for hardware/software or metaphorically for social integration.

Examples

“You need to hook into the main power grid.”

“The new software allows users to hook into existing databases without changing their current workflow.”

“By providing an open API, the platform encourages third-party developers to hook into the ecosystem and build custom tools.”

Examples

simple

“You need to hook into the main power grid.”

contextual

“The new software allows users to hook into existing databases without changing their current workflow.”

complex

“By providing an open API, the platform encourages third-party developers to hook into the ecosystem and build custom tools.”

Usage

often used with technical systems, networks, or social communities as the object.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'hook up' which focuses on the act of connecting two things, while 'hook into' emphasizes becoming part of a larger, pre-existing structure.

Pitfall

He hooked into the computer to the wall.

He hooked the computer into the wall.

when used with an object being connected, the object usually comes before 'into' if the verb is used transitively.

Phrasal verb

Particles

into

Separability

optional

Pattern

hook + (object) + into + object

Synonyms

link toplug intoconnect tointegrate with

Antonyms

Grammar

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference