stir in

USAGE SUMMARY

"stir in" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to mix or blend something into a liquid or mixture by using a spoon or other utensil to move it around. Example: "After adding the sugar, stir it in slowly to avoid clumps in the batter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stir in well.

WikiHow

Slowly stir in glue.

WikiHow

Stir in vinegar.

The New York Times - Food

Stir in the greens.

The New York Times

Stir in the eggs.

The New York Times - Health

Stir in the oats.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Stir in the olives.

The New York Times - Health

Stir in the pumpkin.

Independent

Stir in the peas.

The New York Times - Health

Stir in the yogurt.

The New York Times - Health

Stir in the buttermilk.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stir in", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being mixed into what. For example, "Stir the sugar in until it dissolves completely."

Common error

Avoid overmixing when using "stir in", especially when dealing with delicate ingredients like flour in cake batter, as this can lead to a tough texture. Mix only until just combined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stir in" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive one, requiring a direct object (the ingredient being added). As Ludwig AI states, it means to mix or blend something into a liquid or mixture.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

53%

News & Media

45%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stir in" is a versatile and very common phrasal verb used to describe the action of incorporating an ingredient into a mixture by stirring. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in written English. It is primarily employed in instructional or descriptive contexts, with a neutral formality level suitable for a range of settings. While found most frequently in Wiki and News & Media sources, it can also be appropriate for scientific or business contexts. When using "stir in", be mindful of overmixing and ensure clarity regarding what is being incorporated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mix in

A more general term for combining ingredients, applicable even without stirring.

blend in

Suggests a smoother, more homogeneous mixture than "stir in".

mix together

Similar to "mix in" but emphasizes the act of combining multiple ingredients.

fold in

Implies a gentle mixing motion to avoid deflating a delicate mixture.

add and mix

Describes the action in two steps: adding the ingredient and then mixing it.

whisk in

Uses a whisk for incorporation, suggesting a lighter and airier mixture.

combine

A broad term for bringing ingredients together, lacking the specific mixing action of "stir in".

incorporate

A more formal term for mixing something in, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

work in

Suggests a more thorough and forceful mixing action.

infuse

Incorporating flavor by soaking or steeping.

FAQs

How do I use "stir in" in a sentence?

"Stir in" is used to describe the action of incorporating an ingredient into a mixture by stirring. For example, "Stir in the chocolate chips after the batter is mixed".

What's a good alternative to "stir in"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "mix in", "blend in", or "fold in" to describe the same action.

Is "stir in" formal or informal?

"Stir in" is generally considered a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "incorporate" may be preferred in highly professional settings.

What is the difference between "stir in" and "mix in"?

While both phrases mean to combine ingredients, "stir in" specifically implies a circular motion with a utensil, whereas "mix in" is a more general term that can encompass other methods of combining ingredients.