chipping in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chipping in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of contributing or helping out, often in a collective effort or shared responsibility. Example: "Everyone is chipping in to help fund the community project, and we appreciate all the support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Private industry is chipping in, too.

The New York Times - Sports

But I'm chipping in.

The New York Times

Business leaders are chipping in.

The Economist

Fancy chipping in?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yellowhammers chipping in the hedges.

The Guardian - Books

"Everyone is chipping in," he says.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Postman Poults delivered, chipping in from 50 yards.

Independent

Strangers are chipping in to buy a whole steer together.

The New York Times

"Everyone's been chipping in, and it's been terrific".

The New York Times - Sports

He can't resist chipping in with threats and promises.

The Guardian

Measuring mud Stealing steel Seducing shoppers in Sticksville Chipping in Intoxivation Correction: Airbus A320 Reprints.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chipping in" when you want to convey a sense of shared responsibility and collaborative effort. It's particularly effective in contexts where multiple parties are contributing to a common goal.

Common error

While "chipping in" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "contributing" or "assisting" in such settings to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chipping in" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an action of contributing or participating in something. It is commonly used to describe shared efforts and collaborative contributions as shown by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Chipping in" is a versatile phrasal verb denoting the act of contributing or participating, predominantly used in neutral contexts like news and media. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its wide acceptance and appropriateness across various domains. While largely acceptable, more formal terms such as "contributing" may be preferred in certain settings. Its frequency and broad applicability make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Contributing

Direct synonym, focusing on the act of giving or adding something.

Pitching in

Similar meaning but often implies a more informal and collaborative effort.

Lending a hand

Emphasizes the act of providing assistance or support.

Helping out

General term for providing assistance, suitable for various contexts.

Assisting

More formal term for helping, often used in professional settings.

Participating

Highlights the involvement and active engagement in an activity.

Getting involved

Focuses on becoming engaged or taking part in something.

Sharing the load

Implies distributing the responsibility or burden among multiple parties.

Pulling together

Suggests a unified effort to achieve a common goal.

Supporting

Focuses on providing backing or encouragement to a cause or individual.

FAQs

How can I use "chipping in" in a sentence?

You can use "chipping in" to describe contributing to a common goal, like: "Everyone is "chipping in" to fund the community project."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "chipping in"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "contributing", "pitching in", or "helping out".

Is "chipping in" appropriate for formal writing?

While "chipping in" is acceptable, it's generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "contributing" or "assisting".

What's the difference between "chipping in" and "investing"?

"Chipping in" implies a smaller, often collaborative contribution, while "investing" suggests a more significant commitment, usually with the expectation of a return.