# plug into

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/plug-into
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to connect a piece of equipment to a power supply or another device. You can also use this when you connect to a source of information or a group of people.

For teachers: to establish a physical or logical connection between a component and a larger system, such as a power grid or data network. It also functions figuratively to describe integration into a social or professional environment.

## Examples

- You should plug your phone into the charger before the battery dies.
- The consultant was able to plug into the company's existing workflow and start contributing immediately without needing extensive training.
- By utilizing the new API, developers can plug into our core infrastructure to build custom applications that leverage our proprietary data sets and cloud computing resources.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He plugged the computer to the outlet." but "He plugged the computer into the outlet." — While 'to' is sometimes heard, 'into' is the standard preposition for establishing this specific connection.

## Usage notes

- Requires a destination object after 'into', such as a socket, network, or community.
- Teaching tip: Use the physical action of plugging in a lamp to anchor the more abstract meaning of joining a network or social group.

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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.