in · prep
in general
B2 considering the whole of someone or something, and not just a particular part of them
Dictionary examples:
So, apart from the bad ankle, how are you in general? (27.2)
be in favor of sth ()
B2 to agree with or approve of a plan or idea
Dictionary examples:
Most people are in favor of reducing traffic in cities. (39.9)
in two/half
B2 divided into two equal parts
Dictionary examples:
Cut the potatoes in two. (11.1)
Divide the dough in half and roll it out into two circles. (63.3)
in actual fact
B2 used to emphasize what is really true, or to give more information
Dictionary examples:
I thought she was Portuguese, but in actual fact she's Brazilian. (86.0)
in any case
B2 used to give another reason for something you are saying, or that you have done
Dictionary examples:
I don't want to go and in any case, I haven't been invited. (26.1)
in that case
B2 because of the mentioned situation
Dictionary examples:
There's no coffee left? In that case I'll have tea. (8.4)
in all
B2 used to show the total amount of something
Dictionary examples:
Some of the children came, so there were 15 of us in all. (14.6)
in (RESULT)
B2 used when referring to something that is done as a result of something else
Dictionary examples:
He refused to say anything in reply to the journalists' questions. (26.0)
I'd like to do something for you in return/exchange for everything you've done for me. (34.4)
The changes are in response to demand from our customers. (34.5)
in brief
B2 using only a few words
Dictionary examples:
world news in brief (21.5)
in sb's eyes
B2 in someone's opinion
Dictionary examples:
In my parents' eyes, I'll always be a child. (12.7)
In conclusion
B2 used to introduce the last part of a speech or a piece of writing
Dictionary examples:
In conclusion, swimming is an enjoyable form of exercise and an excellent way to keep fit. (37.5)
In conclusion, I would like to thank our guest speaker for her fascinating talk. (40.9)
in connection with sth
B2 used to say what something is about
Dictionary examples:
A man has been arrested in connection with last month's murder. (29.4)
I am writing in connection with the above job advertised in The Daily Press on Monday 12th February. (65.7)
in due course
B2 at a suitable time in the future
Dictionary examples:
The results will be sent to you in due course. (23.0)
in sb's direction
B2 toward someone
Dictionary examples:
She keeps looking in my direction. (19.6)
in other words
B2 used to explain what something means in a different way
Dictionary examples:
He said he's too busy - in other words he isn't interested. (17.4)
in writing
B2 An agreement that is in writing is official and is proof of that agreement.
Dictionary examples:
Please confirm your reservation in writing. (45.6)
in season
B2 if vegetables or fruit are in season, they are available and ready to eat.
Dictionary examples:
Asparagus is in season at the moment. (51.2)
in secret
B2 without telling other people
Dictionary examples:
For years they met in secret. (21.5)
in good/high/low, etc. spirits
B2 feeling good/excited/unhappy, etc.
Dictionary examples:
The whole class was in good spirits that day. (24.5)
in view of sth
B2 because of
Dictionary examples:
In view of recent events, we have decided to cancel the meeting. (36.4)
in honor of sb/sth
B2 in order to celebrate or show great respect for someone or something
Dictionary examples:
a banquet in honor of the president (62.4)
in person
B2 If you do something in person, you go somewhere to do it yourself.
Dictionary examples:
You have to collect the document in person. (18.6)
in place of sth
B2 instead of something
Dictionary examples:
Try adding fruit to your cereal in place of sugar. (40.2)
in the first place
B2 at the start of a situation
Dictionary examples:
Why did you invite her in the first place? (21.3)
in practice
B2 If something is true in practice, this is the real situation.
Dictionary examples:
In practice, the new laws have had little effect. (27.1)
in private
B2 in a place where nobody else can hear you or see what you are doing
Dictionary examples:
The meeting was held in private. (24.5)
in progress
B2 happening or being done now
Dictionary examples:
Repair work is in progress on the south-bound lane of the motorway and will continue until June. (78.1)
in relation to sth
B2 when compared with something
Dictionary examples:
Salaries are low in relation to the cost of living. (36.7)
in relation to sth
B2 about or relating to something
Dictionary examples:
I'd like to ask you something in relation to what you said earlier. (26.3)
in this respect/in many respects
B2 in a particular way, or in many ways
Dictionary examples:
The school has changed in many respects. (44.6)
in response to
B2 as an answer to
Dictionary examples:
I'm writing in response to your letter of February 14. (26.0)
in a row
B2 one after another without a break
Dictionary examples:
He's just won the tournament for the fifth year in a row. (28.4)
in stock
B2 available in a store or other place
Dictionary examples:
Do you have the book in stock? (24.6)
in accordance with sth
C1 in the way described by a rule, law, or wish
Dictionary examples:
Both companies have insisted that they were acting in accordance with the law. (48.7)
in association with
C1 working together with
Dictionary examples:
The event was organized in association with the Student Council. (38.4)
in bulk
C1 in large amounts
Dictionary examples:
to buy in bulk (27.4)
in the event of sth
C1 if something happens
Dictionary examples:
An airbag could save your life in the event of an accident. (53.3)
in any event
C1 whatever happens
Dictionary examples:
I'm not sure if I'm coming on Friday, but in any event, I'll see you next week. (30.1)
in the form of sth
C1 the particular way in which something appears or exists
Dictionary examples:
The novel is written in the form of a series of letters. (28.1)
The medicine comes in the form of a liquid or pills. (28.7)
in your heart
C1 used to say what you really feel or think
Dictionary examples:
In his heart, he knew she was right. (13.6)
in the hope that/of
C1 because you want something good to happen
Dictionary examples:
She went to Paris in the hope of improving her French. (26.9)
They wrote to their teacher in the hope that he could help. (39.9)
be in sb's interest
C1 to help someone and give them an advantage
Dictionary examples:
It may not be in your interest to change jobs so soon. (18.4)
in (the) light of sth
C1 If something is done or happens in the light of facts, it is done or happens because of those facts.
Dictionary examples:
In light of the problems we’re having, we have no choice but to close the business. (24.4)
be in luck
C1 to be lucky or to be able to have or do what you want
Dictionary examples:
"Do you have any tuna sandwiches?" "You're in luck - there's one left." (26.4)
in moderation
C1 If you do something in moderation, you do not do it too much.
Dictionary examples:
I only drink alcohol in moderation. (38.7)
in a nutshell
C1 something that you say when you are describing something using as few words as possible
Dictionary examples:
The answer, in a nutshell, is yes. (35.2)
in the region of sth
C1 approximately
Dictionary examples:
It probably cost somewhere in the region of £900. (31.4)
in reserve
C1 ready to be used if or when you need it
Dictionary examples:
She keeps a little money in reserve. (34.7)
in no time
C1 very soon
Dictionary examples:
We'll be home in no time. (14.2)
in tune
C1 singing or playing the right notes
Dictionary examples:
Try to stay in tune. (33.0)
in turn
C1 as a result of something that is part of a series of events
Dictionary examples:
This could result in the loss of certain species of fish and this in turn poses a serious threat to the fishing communities along the river banks. (66.2)
in turn
C1 one after the other in an agreed order
Dictionary examples:
She spoke to each of the guests in turn. (21.6)
in vain
C1 without any success
Dictionary examples:
I tried in vain to start a conversation. (50.5)
in no way/not in any way
C1 not at all
Dictionary examples:
This is in no way your fault. (21.5)
in safe hands
C1 being cared for or dealt with by someone skilled
Dictionary examples:
The project is in safe hands - Jan has lots of experience. (25.1)
in the same way
C1 similarly
Dictionary examples:
In the same way, there are many citizens who feel unprotected by the police. (64.2)
in a sense
C1 thinking about something in a particular way
Dictionary examples:
In a sense, he's right. (13.5)
in short
C1 in a few words
Dictionary examples:
In short, we need more staff. (12.5)
in store
C1 going to happen soon
Dictionary examples:
You never know what's in store for you. (21.4)
There's a bit of a shock in store for him when he gets home tonight! (43.6)
in anticipation (of)
C2 expecting something to happen or in preparation for something happening
Dictionary examples:
She's even decorated the spare room in anticipation of your visit. (67.7)
in attendance
C2 present at an event
Dictionary examples:
They have doctors in attendance at every match. (39.7)
be in awe of sb
C2 to feel great respect for and sometimes fear of someone
Dictionary examples:
As children we were rather in awe of our grandfather. (53.9)
in the bargain
C2 as well as everything else
Dictionary examples:
Caffeine has no good effects on health and is mildly addictive in the bargain. (86.0)
in the blink of an eye
C2 extremely quickly
Dictionary examples:
In the blink of an eye, he was gone. (47.8)
be in the same boat
C2 to be in the same unpleasant situation as other people
Dictionary examples:
She complains that she doesn't have enough money, but we're all in the same boat. (44.4)
in the dark
C2 not knowing about something because other people are not telling you
Dictionary examples:
They kept us in the dark about their plans. (24.8)
in demand
C2 wanted or needed in large numbers
Dictionary examples:
Good teachers are always in demand. (18.1)
in effect
C2 used to say what the real situation is
Dictionary examples:
This means, in effect, that the plan has been scrapped. (61.0)
in essence
C2 used to emphasize the most important idea or quality of something
Dictionary examples:
In essence, its purpose is to contain information. (48.4)
in the face of sth
C2 while having to deal with a difficult situation or problem
Dictionary examples:
They left home in the face of strong opposition from their families. (36.8)
in a fix
C2 in a difficult situation that causes you trouble or problems
Dictionary examples:
He’s in a fix and needs our help. (21.0)
in a flash
C2 immediately, or very quickly
Dictionary examples:
I'll be back in a flash. (25.2)
in force
C2 If a law, rule, etc. is in force, it exists and is being used.
Dictionary examples:
New regulations limiting fishing on this river are now in force. (65.6)
in hand
C2 being worked on or dealt with now
Dictionary examples:
Don't worry – we have the situation in hand. (17.4)
in my humble opinion
C2 used to give your opinion about something, often when you are sure you are right
Dictionary examples:
In my humble opinion, that's the wrong decision. (51.4)
in its infancy
C2 Something that is in its infancy has only just begun to develop.
Dictionary examples:
In the 1950s, space travel was in its infancy. (82.8)
in the interest of sth
C2 in order to achieve a particular situation or quality
Dictionary examples:
In the interest of safety, passengers are advised to wear their seat belts at all times. (47.9)
in isolation
C2 alone, or separately from other people, places, or things
Dictionary examples:
These poems cannot be considered in isolation. (44.1)
in all likelihood
C2 almost certainly
Dictionary examples:
The facilities are wasted on people who in all likelihood will not use them. (61.0)
be in line with sth
C2 to be similar to and suitable for something
Dictionary examples:
They were offered a pay increase in line with inflation. (42.7)
in memory of sb
C2 If you do something in memory of a dead person, you do it to show your respect or love for them.
Dictionary examples:
They built a statue in memory of those who died in the fire. (25.7)
in your mind's eye
C2 in your imagination or memory
Dictionary examples:
In my mind's eye, I imagined the building painted white, with a beautiful garden around it. (31.9)
in miniature
C2 If something is in miniature, it is a very small copy of something else.
Dictionary examples:
a model of the ship in miniature (45.9)
in the name of sth
C2 If bad things are done in the name of something, they are done in order to help that thing succeed.
Dictionary examples:
Are you willing to work yourself to death in the name of competition? (40.0)
(all) in one
C2 combined into a single thing
Dictionary examples:
It's a vacation and art course all in one. (19.2)
in part
C2 partly
Dictionary examples:
He is in part to blame for the accident. (27.8)
in perspective
C2 when things are in perspective, you think about them in a sensible and realistic way, and understand how important or unimportant they really are
Dictionary examples:
You must keep things in perspective - the overall situation isn't really that bad. (54.5)
When you see pictures of their suffering, it puts your own problems in perspective. (57.9)
in place
C2 in the correct position
Dictionary examples:
The chairs are all in place. (8.3)
in place
C2 If a rule, system, etc. is in place, it has started to exist.
Dictionary examples:
There are now laws in place to prevent this from happening. (27.7)
in all probability
C2 used to mean that something is very likely
Dictionary examples:
She will, in all probability, have left before we arrive. (51.1)
in proportion to
C2 If something changes in proportion to another thing, it changes to the same degree as that thing.
Dictionary examples:
Your tax payment increases in proportion to your salary. (48.9)
sb/sth in question
C2 the person or thing that is being discussed
Dictionary examples:
He sais that he was at a restaurant with his friends on the night in question. (31.4)
in retrospect
C2 thinking back to something that happened before
Dictionary examples:
In retrospect, I should probably have told her. (47.6)
in a rut
C2 in a bad situation where you do the same things all the time, or where it is impossible to make progress
Dictionary examples:
He seems to be stuck in a rut at the moment. (56.9)
be in good taste
C2 to be acceptable in a way that will not upset or anger people
Dictionary examples:
His speech was in good taste. (29.7)
be in bad/poor taste
C2 to be unacceptable in a way that will upset or anger people
Dictionary examples:
He told a joke about a plane crash which I thought was in rather poor taste. (42.3)
in no uncertain terms
C2 in a direct and often angry way
Dictionary examples:
I told him to go away in no uncertain terms. (42.5)
be in tune with sb/sth
C2 to understand what someone wants or needs or to understand a situation and act in a way that is suitable for it
Dictionary examples:
The congress is not in tune with the voters. (60.3)
in the vicinity (of sth)
C2 in the area near a place
Dictionary examples:
A number of buildings in the vicinity of the fire were damaged. (54.4)
in a big way
C2 used to say that someone or something does something to a large degree
Dictionary examples:
They celebrate birthdays in a big way. (18.0)
be in the cards
C2 to be likely to happen
Dictionary examples:
Do you think marriage is in the cards? (17.5)
in the clear
C2 not in a difficult situation or having problems any more
Dictionary examples:
His lawyers say that Wilson is in the clear. (31.0)
We had some large debts, but we should be in the clear by next year. (39.2)
in cold blood
C2 in a cruel way, without showing any emotion
Dictionary examples:
He shot three policemen in cold blood. (27.0)
in confidence
C2 If you tell something to someone in confidence, you do not want them to tell anyone else.
Dictionary examples:
I'm sorry, she told me that in confidence. (32.0)
in conjunction with sth/sb
C2 working, used, or happening with something or someone else
Dictionary examples:
Our librarians use their knowledge in conjunction with the computer network. (71.5)
in that
C2 because of or for this reason
Dictionary examples:
This course is good in that it provides a very practical training. (65.5)
in (INSIDE)
A1 inside or toward the inside of a container, place or area
Dictionary examples:
My homework is in the trash! (0.0)
My phone is in the toilet! (0.0)
The teacher is in my lunchbox! (0.0)
There's milk in the refrigerator. (5.9)
What's that in your hand? (10.8)
How much is that coat in the window? (12.9)
They live in an old cabin. (19.1)
They used to live in Paris, but now they're somewhere in Italy. (23.5)
Is Mark still in bed? (23.9)
My daughter's in the hospital overnight. (29.8)
in (DURING)
A1 during part or all of a period of time
Dictionary examples:
He learned English in five minutes! (0.0)
I forgot my name in the test! (0.0)
He slept in class every day. (0.0)
We're going to Italy in April. (9.5)
I started working here in 2007. (10.3)
I haven't had a decent night's sleep in years/ages. (34.2)
She was a brilliant gymnast in her youth. (56.3)
Life in the 19th century was very different from what it is now. (63.7)
in (USING TIME)
A2 needing or using no more time than a particular amount of time
Dictionary examples:
I'll clean my room in five minutes... said no teenager ever! (0.0)
I can eat 10 pizzas in one minute... in my dreams! (0.0)
He can read a whole book in one second. He's Superman! (0.0)
Can you finish the job in two weeks? (8.6)
Dinner will be ready in ten minutes. (9.4)
She could get that essay done in a couple of hours if she really tried. (28.7)
in (PART OF)
A2 forming a part of something
Dictionary examples:
There's a clown in my soup! Is this a joke restaurant? (0.0)
I'm in a boy band. We only sing about vegetables! (0.0)
There's a chicken in my class. It must be 'Bring Your Pet Day'! (0.0)
I've been waiting in this line for ages. (19.5)
There are too many spelling mistakes in this essay. (23.4)
He used to be the lead singer in a rock band. (31.8)
in front of sb/sth
A2 close to the front part of something or where someone can see or hear you
Dictionary examples:
He tripped and fell in front of his crush. How embarrassing! (0.0)
He accidentally burped loudly in front of his teacher. Oops! (0.0)
The clown juggled balls in front of the laughing children. (0.0)
He parked the car in front of the house. (31.1)
(just) in case
B1 because of a possibility of something happening, being needed, etc.
Dictionary examples:
I brought a pillow in case the movie is boring. (0.0)
I'm learning to juggle in case the circus needs a new clown. (0.0)
I always carry a fork in case it rains spaghetti. (0.0)
Bring a map in case you get lost. (16.2)
I don't think I'll need any money but I'll bring some just in case. (22.5)
in (ARRANGEMENT)
B1 arranged or divided in a particular way
Dictionary examples:
The students lined up in order of how much coffee they'd had. (0.0)
The band members stood in order of how badly they played. (0.0)
The excuses were organized in a list from least to most creative. (0.0)
We all sat down in a circle. (18.0)
The desks were arranged in rows of ten. (26.6)
Discounts are available to people traveling in large groups. (30.5)
The books on these shelves are arranged in alphabetical order. (38.9)
in (EXPERIENCE)
B1 experiencing an emotion or condition
Dictionary examples:
The chef is in tears, realizing he used salt instead of sugar. (0.0)
The students are in a frenzy, chasing a runaway hamster in class. (0.0)
He's in love with his pizza, literally hugging the box all day. (0.0)
You're in great danger. (11.6)
She's in a bad/good mood this morning. (20.3)
He's living in luxury in the south of France. (26.3)
in (EXPRESSED)
B1 expressed or written in a particular way
Dictionary examples:
He texted his girlfriend in emojis only for a whole week. (0.0)
He wrote his love letter in ketchup on a hamburger bun. (0.0)
The chef wrote the menu in spaghetti noodles on the plate. (0.0)
They spoke in Russian the whole time. (11.7)
Why not do a rough answer in pencil first? (18.4)
Complete the form in (black) ink. (19.6)
in (INVOLVED)
B1 involved or connected with a particular subject or activity
Dictionary examples:
He's an expert in napping, with a PhD in pillow studies. (0.0)
I have a certificate in professional chocolate tasting. (0.0)
She's doing research in the science of why socks disappear. (0.0)
a degree in philosophy (28.6)
advances in medical science (31.6)
I never knew you worked in publishing. (45.3)
in (WEARING)
B1 wearing
Dictionary examples:
She went to the job interview in a banana costume. (0.0)
The teacher came to class in a full astronaut suit. (0.0)
He went to the gym in a three-piece suit. (0.0)
She's always dressed in red. (13.1)
Do you recognize that man in the grey suit? (61.1)
in addition (to)
B1 as well (as)
Dictionary examples:
In addition to eating pizza, Tom accidentally ate the delivery box too! (0.0)
In addition to her phone, Anna carries a banana as a backup. (0.0)
In addition to studying math, Jack learns how to count sheep at night. (0.0)
In addition to his flat in London, he has a villa in Italy and a castle in Scotland. (65.3)
in advance
B1 before a particular time, or before doing a particular thing
Dictionary examples:
I prepared a speech in advance. Then I forgot how to talk. (0.0)
He set his alarm in advance but slept through it anyway. (0.0)
She practiced her fake laugh in advance for her boss's terrible jokes. (0.0)
If you're going to come, please let me know in advance. (41.2)
in case of sth
B1 when something happens, or in preparation for when something happens
Dictionary examples:
He carries a spare tie, in case of spontaneous job interviews. (0.0)
She keeps a spare toothbrush at work, in case of surprise overnight meetings. (0.0)
I always carry a spoon, in case of emergency ice cream situations. (0.0)
We keep a bucket of water backstage, in case of fire. (57.1)
in front
B1 further forward than someone or something else
Dictionary examples:
The person in front of me in line was trying to pay with bananas. (0.0)
The clown in front of me kept honking his nose during the serious play. (0.0)
The robot in front of me at the dance class kept stepping on toes. (0.0)
She started talking to the man in front of her. (22.5)
The car in front suddenly stopped and I ran into the back of it. (28.9)
in general
B1 usually, or in most situations
Dictionary examples:
In general, people love their beds more on workdays. (0.0)
In general, students believe homework is a form of torture. (0.0)
In general, diets start on Monday and end on Tuesday. (0.0)
In general, men are taller than women. (21.0)
In general, the weather here stays sunny. (28.1)
in order (for sb/sth) to do sth
B1 with the purpose of achieving something
Dictionary examples:
She learned 10 languages in order to order pizza correctly worldwide. (0.0)
She married a chef in order to never cook again. (0.0)
He trained his goldfish in order to fetch the newspaper. (0.0)
She worked all summer in order to save enough money. (21.6)
He came home early in order to see the children before they went to bed. (31.0)
in particular
B1 especially
Dictionary examples:
In the buffet, I'm looking for pizza in particular. My stomach demands it! (0.0)
I enjoy all sports, but swimming in particular. I'm basically a human fish! (0.0)
My friend likes all jokes, but puns in particular. He's a walking dad joke! (0.0)
Are you looking for anything in particular? (18.5)
in tears
B1 crying
Dictionary examples:
The pirate was in tears after his parrot learned to speak French. (0.0)
He was in tears when he realized his invisible ink tattoo disappeared. (0.0)
The clown was in tears after his balloon animals ran away. (0.0)
I found him in tears in his bedroom. (16.8)
in the end
B1 finally, after something has been thought about or discussed a lot
Dictionary examples:
He studied all night, but in the end, slept through the exam. (0.0)
After trying fancy recipes, in the end, we ate instant noodles. (0.0)
After hours of debate, in the end, we ordered pizza for dinner. (0.0)
We were thinking about going to Switzerland, but in the end we went to Austria. (36.0)
in time
B1 early or at the right time
Dictionary examples:
He finished cooking in time to burn the dinner. (0.0)
I got in time to the airport to miss my flight. (0.0)
She got in time to the gym to watch others exercise. (0.0)
We arrived in time to catch the train. (36.1)
in the future
B1 beginning from now
Dictionary examples:
In the future, I'll stop saying 'just one more episode' at midnight. (0.0)
In the future, I'll invent a machine that does my homework. (0.0)
In the future, I'll remember my girlfriend's birthday without reminders. (0.0)
Could you be more careful in the future? (15.3)
In the future, I'm going to check every single piece of work that you do! (19.7)
in detail
B1 including or considering all the information about something or every part of something
Dictionary examples:
The chef described his pizza-making failures in great detail to his laughing students. (0.0)
The chef explained in detail why pizza is the perfect breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (0.0)
The student explained in detail why his homework was eaten by aliens. (0.0)
We haven't discussed the matter in detail yet. (20.3)
The book described her sufferings in great detail. (30.2)
in love
B1 liking someone very much and having romantic or sexual feelings for them
Dictionary examples:
Tom is so in love, he wrote a song about his girlfriend's eyebrows. (0.0)
She's in love with chocolate and writes poems about it daily. (0.0)
She's so in love, she named her pet fish after her boyfriend. (0.0)
Have you ever been in love? (15.8)
in fact
B1 used to emphasize what is really true, or to give more information
Dictionary examples:
I told her I'm good with computers. In fact, I can barely turn one on! (0.0)
He said he was a little late. In fact, he arrived after the party ended! (0.0)
I told my boss I speak a little French. In fact, I only know 'Bonjour'! (0.0)
We met Rebecca for lunch. In fact, we spent the whole afternoon with her. (12.4)
I was told there were some tickets left but in fact they were sold out. (21.1)
in full
B1 completely and with nothing missing
Dictionary examples:
He felt the embarrassment of calling his teacher 'Mom' in full during class. (0.0)
He realized in full that his socks didn't match during his presentation. (0.0)
He answered the exam questions in full, including 'What's your name?' (0.0)
The bill must be paid in full by the end of the month. (17.8)