step in

USAGE SUMMARY

"step in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Typically, it is used to refer to intervening in a situation or taking action to help or solve a problem. For example, "The police chief decided to step in when the situation got out of hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They didn't step in.

The New Yorker

Step in.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The law should step in.

The New York Times

Who could step in?

The New Yorker

Then step in line.

The New York Times - Travel

Another step in responsibility.

The New York Times - Sports

"Someone will step in".

The New York Times

Fate can step in.

The New York Times

Step in quickly.

Harvard University

I can step in.

The New York Times

We step in.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "step in" to mean intervene, ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for intervention and the desired outcome. For example, "The teacher had to "step in" to resolve the argument between the students."

Common error

Be specific about who or what is stepping in and why. Vague uses of "step in" can leave readers unsure about the agent and purpose of the action. Instead of saying, "Someone needs to "step in"," specify, "The manager needs to "step in" to address the complaints."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step in" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It is often used to indicate the act of intervening in a situation or becoming involved in something. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across various sources, showing its active role in sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "step in" is a phrasal verb frequently used to describe intervention or active participation in a situation. As shown by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, academia, and general writing. It maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communications. When using "step in", clarity is key; ensure the context specifies who or what is stepping in and the reason for their action. Remember to use alternatives like "intervene" or "get involved" to enrich your vocabulary and avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intervene

This alternative emphasizes direct involvement to prevent or alter an event or course of action.

get involved

This alternative highlights active participation and engagement in a situation.

take action

This alternative focuses on initiating a course of action to address a specific issue or goal.

become involved

This suggests a gradual process of getting implicated or concerned.

lend a hand

This alternative implies offering assistance or support in a helpful manner.

mediate

This alternative specifies acting as a neutral party to resolve a dispute or conflict.

be a participant

This alternative focuses on being actively involved in a specific event or activity.

take over

This alternative implies assuming control or responsibility for something.

enter the picture

This suggests a sudden involvement in a situation.

assume responsibility

This highlights taking on a duty or obligation.

FAQs

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

"Step in" can be used to describe intervening in a situation, such as "The government must now "step in" to resolve the crisis", or to physically enter a space, such as "Just "step in" and zip up".

What's a synonym for "step in"?

Alternatives for "step in" include "intervene", "get involved", or "take action", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "step in" to a conversation?

Yes, "step in" can be used to describe joining or intervening in a conversation, especially when someone is needed to mediate or offer a different perspective.

When should I use "step in" instead of "intervene"?

While "step in" and "intervene" are similar, "step in" often implies a more immediate or hands-on approach, whereas intervene might suggest a more formal or official action.