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step in meaning and examples

2025-09-16

Meaning

The phrasal verb step in means to become involved in a situation, often to help, stop something from happening, or take control when necessary. It can also mean physically entering a place.

Grammar and Usage

  • Part of speech: Phrasal verb

  • Verb type: Intransitive (it does not take a direct object)

  • Typical structure:

    • step in (to + situation)
    • step in (when + clause)

Common uses

  1. To intervene in a situation: The teacher had to step in when the students started arguing.
  2. To enter a place: Please step in and have a seat.

Common Phrases

  • step in to help
  • step in to prevent something
  • step in to resolve a conflict
  • step in when needed

Collocations

  • verbs + step in: had to step in, decided to step in, asked to step in
  • step in + nouns: step in a dispute, step in a crisis, step in an emergency
  • adverbs + step in: quickly step in, immediately step in, finally step in

Examples

  1. The manager had to step in to solve the problem.
  2. Parents often step in when children can’t handle a situation.
  3. She quickly stepped in to stop the argument.
  4. When the speaker got sick, another person stepped in to give the presentation.
  5. The government decided to step in during the financial crisis.
  6. Please step in and make yourself comfortable.
  7. He only stepped in at the last moment to save the project.
  8. The referee stepped in to calm the players down.
  • intervene
  • interfere
  • get involved
  • take over
  • participate

Antonym

  • stay out
  • withdraw
  • avoid