Word phrasal verb
stay in
phr.v.
Definition
- 01 A1 Beginner
to spend time at home instead of going out to a social event.
to remain at home for the evening or a specific period rather than going out for entertainment.
Simple“I think I will stay in tonight and watch a movie instead of going to the party.”
In context“Given the torrential rain and the late hour, the couple decided to stay in and order food rather than trek to the restaurant.”
UsageThis phrasal verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
PitfallI stayed in home last night. I stayed in last night.The phrase 'stay in' already implies being at home; adding 'home' after it is redundant.
Synonymsstay homeAntonyms
Teaching tip
Contrast directly with its opposite, 'go out'. Ask students to describe their ideal Friday night using either 'stay in' or 'go out'.
- remain at home
- not go out
- Particles
- in
- Separability
- inseparable
- Pattern
- stay + in
This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated