to chip in

USAGE SUMMARY

"to chip in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express an offer to help out with something, usually financially. For example, "John offered to chip in for the group dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Riva rushes to chip in.

The Guardian - Film

China was willing to chip in more.

The Economist

Everybody has to chip in".

The New York Times - Sports

The children all had to chip in.

The Guardian

Frankie wanted it; I'm trying to chip in.

The New York Times

This is a team that everybody has to chip in.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm just here to chip in, man," Dykstra said.

The New York Times - Sports

Right down the line, everybody has to chip in somehow".

The New York Times - Sports

And do feel free to chip in with your own.

The Guardian - Film

"Yeah," says Damon, suddenly keen to chip in.

The Guardian - Film

Some cable channels started to chip in content, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to chip in" when you want to express a contribution, typically financial, to a shared expense or cause. It's suitable for informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "to chip in" when referring to non-monetary contributions or efforts that are significantly larger or more involved. For substantial contributions, consider using phrases like "to invest", "to donate", or "to dedicate resources".

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "to chip in" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used intransitively. It signifies the act of contributing, usually money, to a shared expense or cause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to chip in" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb that means to contribute, often financially, to a shared cost or endeavor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, the phrase carries a neutral to informal tone. Alternatives like "to contribute" or "to pitch in" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context. Remember, while generally referring to monetary contributions, the best practice is to use "to chip in" for smaller, shared expenses, and avoid it for larger investments or non-monetary efforts. In conclusion, "to chip in" is a versatile and readily understood way to express participation through contribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to contribute

A more general term for giving something, not necessarily money.

to pitch in

Similar meaning, but often implies a more active and collaborative effort.

to donate

Specifically refers to giving something, usually money or goods, to a cause or organization.

to kick in

Similar to "chip in", but sometimes suggests a more forceful or necessary contribution.

to put in

A more general term for investing or contributing something, not always monetary.

to ante up

Implies contributing a required amount, often in a gambling or competitive context.

to help out

To offer assistance or support, not necessarily financial.

to lend a hand

To provide assistance or support.

to play a part

To participate or contribute to a larger effort or activity.

to chip away

To incrementally contribute to something over time, rather than all at once. Not related to monetary contribution.

FAQs

What does "to chip in" mean?

"To chip in" means to contribute something, typically money, to a common fund or purpose. It implies a shared effort and is often used in informal contexts.

How can I use "to chip in" in a sentence?

You can use "to chip in" in sentences like: "We all need "to chip in" for the pizza" or "Everyone is expected "to chip in" to help with the project".

What can I say instead of "to chip in"?

You can use alternatives like "to contribute", "to pitch in", or "to donate" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to chip in" or "to contribute"?

The best choice depends on the context. "To chip in" is more informal and usually refers to smaller contributions, often monetary. "To contribute" is more formal and can refer to any type of input or help.