squeeze in

USAGE SUMMARY

"squeeze in" is a perfectly valid phrase that can be used in written English.
Its primary meaning is to manage to fit something into a busy schedule or to fit something with difficulty into a space that it is too small for it. For example: I know my calendar is really full this week, but I'll try to squeeze in a doctor's appointment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Yeah, want to squeeze in between us?" Polly enthuses back.

The Guardian - Music

You could squeeze in between a dresser and the wall.

WikiHow

If your horse starts slowing down squeeze in again.

WikiHow

What, then, to squeeze in?

The New York Times

Can we squeeze in more hype?

The Guardian - Sport

Italy wants to squeeze in Slovenia.

The Economist

Mr. Cardona could not squeeze in.

The New York Times

Squeeze in the lemon juice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How will they all squeeze in?

The Guardian

Squeeze in juice of remaining half-lime.

The New York Times - Food

5 Squeeze in the clementine juice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing fitting something into a schedule, use "squeeze in" to convey the sense of managing to make it fit despite time constraints.

Common error

While "squeeze in" is versatile, avoid it in overly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "incorporate" or "integrate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "squeeze in" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use to describe fitting something into a limited space or a busy schedule. It combines the action of squeezing with the preposition "in", creating a distinct meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

20%

Lifestyle

14%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Travel

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "squeeze in" is a versatile expression used to describe managing to fit something into a limited space or a tight schedule. Ludwig's examples reveal its prevalence across diverse contexts, from news and media to lifestyle content. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase. While it generally maintains a neutral to informal tone, writers should consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "incorporate" or "integrate" in academic or professional settings. Understanding its usage and nuances ensures effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fit into

Similar meaning, but more general about fitting something.

make time for

Specifically refers to finding time for something in a busy schedule.

find room for

Emphasizes finding physical space or capacity for something.

carve out time for

Implies deliberately creating time for something.

shoehorn into

Implies forcing something into a space or schedule, often with difficulty.

wedge into

Similar to shoehorn, but suggests more force is needed.

work into

Implies integrating something into an existing routine or plan.

insert into

Suggests a more precise or deliberate placement.

cram into

Implies filling a space or schedule to its maximum capacity.

press into service

Suggests using something or someone even if it is not ideally suited for the purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "squeeze in" to describe fitting something into a tight schedule, such as "I'll try to squeeze in a meeting this week" or to describe fitting into a tight physical space, such as "We had to squeeze in to make room for everyone".

What can I say instead of "squeeze in"?

You can use alternatives like "fit into", "make time for", or "find room for" depending on the context.

Is "squeeze in" formal or informal?

"Squeeze in" is generally considered informal to neutral. While widely understood, it might not be suitable for highly formal or academic writing. In those contexts, consider more sophisticated alternatives such as "incorporate" or "integrate".

Which is correct, "squeeze in" or "squeeze into"?

"Squeeze in" and "squeeze into" can both be correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Squeeze in" generally means to fit something into a space or time, while "squeeze into" often implies forcing something into a space that is too small, like "He tried to squeeze into the small car".