# in

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/in
Updated: 2026-07-09

## Senses

### 1. location or position

preposition · CEFR A1

inside a container, a place, or an area.

For teachers: indicating inclusion or position within spatial limits or a defined area.

- My keys are in my pocket, so I don't need to look for them.
- The documents were stored securely in the vault, protected from both environmental damage and unauthorised access.

### 2. time periods

preposition · CEFR A1

during a period of time like a month, a year, or a season.

For teachers: indicating a point within a temporal limit or duration.

- We usually go to the beach in the summer when the weather is hot.
- The company was founded in 1998, just before the digital revolution transformed the industry entirely.

### 3. state or condition

preposition · CEFR A2

used to describe the situation or feeling someone is experiencing.

For teachers: denoting a state, condition, or circumstances of the subject.

- She is in a lot of pain after falling off her bike.
- The two nations have been in conflict for decades, despite numerous attempts at diplomatic intervention.

### 4. medium or language

preposition · CEFR A2

using a specific language, material, or way of expressing something.

For teachers: indicating the medium, format, or language used for communication or creation.

- Please write your answers in English so the teacher can read them.
- The contract was drafted in triplicate, ensuring that each party held an original copy for their records.

### 5. towards the inside

adverb · CEFR A1

to or towards the inside of a building or room.

For teachers: at or towards the interior of a defined space.

- It started to rain, so we all ran in to stay dry.
- The detective peered through the window but couldn't see anything happening in.

### 6. fashionable

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

popular or fashionable at the moment.

For teachers: currently fashionable, popular, or trendy.

- Short hair is very in this season, according to the magazines.
- The designer noted that while neon colours were in last year, the market has shifted toward more muted, earthy tones.

### 7. present at work

adjective · CEFR A2

present at your office or home.

For teachers: located at one's place of work or residence; available.

- Is the manager in today, or is she working from home?
- The receptionist confirmed that the doctor would be in by ten o'clock to resume consultations.

### 8. influence or connection

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a way to get into a group or a position of power through someone you know.

For teachers: a position of influence or a means of gaining entry or favour.

- He has an in with the director, so he might get the job.
- Securing an in with the local council proved vital for the developers to move the project forward ahead of schedule.

## Examples

- The keys are in my pocket.
- We decided to stay in the city during the summer to avoid the heavy traffic at the beach.
- The researcher found that the specific chemical markers were present in every sample collected from the site, suggesting a widespread environmental impact.

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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.