Phrasal verb
suck in
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
suck in
Past
sucked in
Past participle
sucked in
Definition
phrasal verb. to pull your stomach or cheeks inward by tightening your muscles; it can also mean to involve someone in a difficult situation they did not want to join.
phrasal verb. to draw something inward by suction or muscle contraction; figuratively, to involve someone in a situation, often against their will or through deception. The literal sense is often reflexive or involves body parts, while the figurative sense is transitive.
Examples
“You should suck in your stomach for the photo.”
“I really didn't want to get involved in their family argument, but I got sucked in anyway.”
“The politician attempted to remain neutral, yet he was eventually sucked in by the escalating controversy surrounding the new legislation.”
Examples
simple
“You should suck in your stomach for the photo.”
contextual
“I really didn't want to get involved in their family argument, but I got sucked in anyway.”
complex
“The politician attempted to remain neutral, yet he was eventually sucked in by the escalating controversy surrounding the new legislation.”
Usage
when used figuratively to mean 'involve', it is almost always used in the passive voice ('get sucked in').
Teaching tip
teach the literal physical action first (inhaling/muscular) before moving to the metaphorical 'social vacuum' sense to help students visualize the lack of control.
Pitfall
I was sucked in the argument.
I was sucked into the argument.
when 'suck in' is used to describe entering a situation, 'into' is required to show movement or transition; 'in' is used for the state or the physical action.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
optional
Pattern
suck + object + in
Synonyms
Antonyms
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
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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