# pitch in

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pitch-in
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to join other people to help with a task or to give money for something. You use this when everyone works together to finish a job.

For teachers: to contribute to a joint effort, whether through labor, financial assistance, or ideas. Often implies a collective or communal action.

## Examples

- Everyone pitches in to help with the dishes after dinner.
- After the storm, the whole neighborhood pitched in to clear the fallen branches from the streets.
- While the initial funding was provided by the state, local businesses were expected to pitch in to cover the remaining operational costs.

## Pitfalls

- Not "We all pitched in the work." but "We all pitched in with the work." — The phrase requires a preposition like 'with' or 'on' before the noun describing the task.

## Usage notes

- This phrase is often used alone or followed by 'with' or 'on' to name the task.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'chip in', which usually refers to money; 'pitch in' is more common for physical help or general effort.

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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.