to insert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to insert" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of placing something into another object or document. Example: "Please remember to insert the necessary data into the spreadsheet before submitting it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Where to insert Paola Calvetti?

Yale University

The surgery to insert pins went well.

The New York Times

One doesn't need to insert these echoes.

The Guardian

Small microscopes to insert into human.

Cornell University

"It would be idiotic to insert myself," she says.

The Guardian - Books

Walter, you don't have to insert yourself in that lineage.

The Guardian - Film

Then he wants to insert a running game.

The New York Times - Sports

There was no question of trying to insert balance.

The Guardian

Whiting has undergone surgery to insert plates into the injury.

The Guardian - Sport

The machine's display immediately changed to "Insert Bottle".

The New York Times

An attempt to insert a cap on pay was rejected.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to insert", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being inserted and where it is being inserted. For example, "to insert a comment" or "to insert a USB drive".

Common error

Avoid using "to insert" without specifying the target location or medium. Instead of saying "Insert the code", specify "Insert the code into the HTML file" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to insert" functions primarily as an infinitive verb, expressing the action of placing something into something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

28%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to insert" is a versatile and commonly used infinitive, denoting the action of placing something within something else. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various registers, from neutral news reports to more formal academic papers. It is more frequently found in contexts such as News & Media and WikiHow, with some usage in Academia and Science. Remember, clarity is key. Always specify what you are inserting and where you are inserting it for maximum comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to put inside

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the action of placing something within.

to place within

This alternative focuses on the physical act of putting something inside something else, emphasizing location.

to add into

This suggests incorporating something new into an existing structure or collection.

to introduce into

This implies a more formal or deliberate action of bringing something into a specific context.

to incorporate within

This suggests integrating something as a part of a larger whole or system.

to embed in

This refers to fixing something firmly within a surrounding mass.

to integrate into

This emphasizes the merging or blending of something into an existing system.

to enclose within

This suggests surrounding something completely within something else.

to inject into

Implies forcing something into a space or situation.

to slip into

This suggests a subtle or stealthy action of inserting something.

FAQs

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

You can use "to insert" when you want to indicate placing something into something else. For example, "Remember "to insert the key" into the lock" or "The editor allows you "to insert images" into the document".

What are some alternatives to "to insert"?

Alternatives to "to insert" include phrases like "to place within", "to add into", or "to incorporate within", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "to insert" or "inserting"?

Both "to insert" and "inserting" are correct, but they have different grammatical functions. "To insert" is the infinitive form of the verb, often used after another verb (e.g., "I need to insert"). "Inserting" is the gerund or present participle form (e.g., "Inserting the card activated the machine").

What's the difference between "to insert" and "to add"?

"To insert" typically implies placing something within a defined space or structure. "To add" is a more general term that means to increase or include something. You might "to add a comment" to a document, but you "to insert a SIM card" into a phone.