Phrasal verb
step in
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
step in
Past
stepped in
Past participle
stepped in
Definition
phrasal verb. to get involved in a difficult situation to help or to stop a problem.
phrasal verb. to intervene in a situation, especially to provide assistance or to resolve a conflict. Intransitive, though often followed by an infinitive of purpose.
Examples
“The government had to step in to help the banks.”
“When the two players started arguing on the field, the referee had to step in before a fight broke out.”
“The international community was hesitant to step in, fearing that any direct intervention might exacerbate the existing regional tensions.”
Examples
simple
“The government had to step in to help the banks.”
contextual
“When the two players started arguing on the field, the referee had to step in before a fight broke out.”
complex
“The international community was hesitant to step in, fearing that any direct intervention might exacerbate the existing regional tensions.”
Usage
often used when someone with authority or power enters a situation that others cannot handle.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'intervene' (more formal) and 'meddle' (negative connotation of unwanted involvement); 'step in' usually implies a helpful or necessary action.
Pitfall
The manager stepped in the argument.
The manager stepped in to stop the argument.
as an intransitive phrasal verb, 'step in' cannot take a direct object; you must use 'to' + verb or 'to help with' + noun.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
step + in
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
PHRASAL VERB
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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