tuck in

USAGE SUMMARY

"tuck in" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to mean "to prepare for bed" or "to eat a meal heartily". For example, "It's getting late, so let's tuck the kids in before we have dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Tuck in, boys.

The New York Times

Tuck in!

WikiHow

Tuck in and enjoy.

Independent

Go on, tuck in!

The Guardian

We tuck in.

The Guardian

You tuck in.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If so, tuck in.

The New Yorker

TUCK in your shirt.

The New York Times - Sports

I tuck in some heels.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Tuck-in acquisitions are doable".

The New York Times

Telecare Tuck-In is a component of Telecare; Tuck-In serves VAGLAHS only.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tuck in" to mean 'begin eating', ensure the context suggests a hearty or enthusiastic start to a meal.

Common error

Avoid using "tuck in" in formal contexts where a more neutral term like "begin" or "start" would be more appropriate. "Tuck in" implies informality and enthusiasm.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tuck in" is that of a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "tuck" with the particle "in" to create a new meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard English construct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

23%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tuck in" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, primarily used to indicate starting to eat with enthusiasm or preparing someone for bed. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, and it's most suitable for informal contexts. While it appears in some news articles, it is more commonly found in casual conversation and how-to guides. When writing, be mindful of the intended audience and context to ensure appropriate usage, opting for more formal alternatives like "begin eating" or "prepare for sleep" in professional settings. The phrase appears with greatest frequency in "News & Media" and "Wiki" type of sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dig in

Suggests eating with gusto and enthusiasm, altering the tone to be more informal and encouraging.

put to bed

Focuses specifically on the action of putting someone to bed, omitting the act of covering them with blankets.

begin eating

Emphasizes the start of eating, lacking the implication of eating heartily or with enjoyment.

start eating

Similar to "begin eating", but less formal and directly refers to the act of initiating a meal.

fall to

Implies beginning to eat with enthusiasm or eagerness, changing the focus to the manner of eating.

settle in

Suggests making oneself comfortable, often before undertaking an activity like eating or sleeping, and broadens the context.

pin down

Implies securing something, shifting the focus from eating or bedtime to fastening objects.

secure edges

Focuses on fastening or holding edges in place, losing the nuance of concealment.

cover up

Refers to covering something entirely, missing the snug or secure feeling associated with "tuck in".

arrange neatly

Indicates organizing something in a tidy manner, which alters the action from securing to tidying.

FAQs

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

You can use "tuck in" in sentences like "It's time to "tuck in" the children for the night" or "The food is ready, so let's "tuck in"!"

What are some alternatives to "tuck in" when referring to eating?

When referring to eating, you can use alternatives like "dig in" or "start eating". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

What does "tuck in" mean when referring to clothes?

When referring to clothes, "tuck in" means to push the fabric, typically at the bottom of a shirt, under the pants or skirt for a neater appearance.

Is "tuck in" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "tuck in" is generally more appropriate for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more neutral alternatives like "begin eating" or "prepare for bed" depending on the intended meaning.