tuck it in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tuck it in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of neatly folding or securing something, often clothing or bedding, into a more compact or tidy position. Example: "Before you leave the house, make sure to tuck it in so that your shirt looks neat."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you're wearing a shirt that is supposed to be tucked in, tuck it in!

WikiHow

If the shirt is loose, tuck it in to create more form; otherwise, you can leave it hanging out.

WikiHow

(If you want the stripes, tuck it in its own color as you come around and down).

WikiHow

"Tuck it in, Ray," he tells him.

Independent

"Though you've got to tuck it in.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Tuck it in for definition, and push up the sleeves for an insouciant look.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Sometimes I wear my white shirt untucked, sometimes I tuck it in," posts one baffled commenter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You never need to tuck it in or coordinate it!" Uh-oh, I thought.

The New York Times

If you do wear a T-shirt in public, she said, you definitely shouldn't tuck it in.

The New Yorker

Or whether mistrust of government competes in the electoral psyche with the primal pull of a safety blanket and someone to tuck it in.

The Economist

I'll have to live without  Dave, the remote-controlled Funky Monkey)., you rip off the label, tuck it in the envelope, and recycle the catalog.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions for clothing or bedding, use "tuck it in" to clearly indicate the action of neatly securing fabric edges. For example, "Tuck the sheet in tightly at the corners for a neat bed."

Common error

While "tuck it in" is common and acceptable, avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "secure", "insert", or "fold" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tuck it in" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of neatly placing or securing something, usually fabric, within a confined space. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

62%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tuck it in" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrasal verb. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It predominantly appears in Wiki and News & Media contexts, serving to instruct or guide on tidying and securing items. While acceptable for general use, more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or business writing. The phrase is versatile, finding applications from fashion advice to household tips.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secure it inside

Focuses on the act of securing something within an enclosure, similar to the containment aspect of the original phrase.

fold it inwards

Emphasizes the folding action and direction, suitable when the 'tucking' involves folding.

slip it under

Highlights the action of sliding something beneath another object for concealment or neatness.

nestle it within

Suggests a gentle and secure placement of something inside something else, often for protection or comfort.

insert it neatly

Focuses on the precision and tidiness of the insertion.

conceal it carefully

Highlights the action of hiding something with precision, emphasizing the act of concealment.

place it snugly

Implies a tight and secure fit when positioning something.

embed it firmly

Suggests a solid and stable positioning, useful when securing something to prevent movement.

wedge it tightly

Highlights using a wedging action to secure something in place.

pack it closely

Emphasizes tight packing and secure placement, useful when storing items.

FAQs

How is "tuck it in" used in fashion?

In fashion, "tuck it in" refers to neatly placing the bottom of a shirt or blouse inside the waistband of pants or a skirt to create a more defined silhouette or a polished look. The opposite of this is to leave it untucked.

Are there style guides that discuss when to "tuck it in"?

Style guides often provide recommendations based on formality and personal preference. Generally, dress shirts are expected to be tucked in for business or formal settings, while casual shirts can be worn untucked, depending on length and fit. Ultimately, the decision depends on achieving a balanced and intentional look.

Which is correct, "tuck it in" or "tuck in it"?

"Tuck it in" is the correct phrasal verb structure, with the particle 'in' following the pronoun 'it'. "Tuck in it" is grammatically incorrect. You could say "tuck in the sheet".

What can I say instead of "tuck it in"?

You can use alternatives like "secure it inside", "fold it inwards", or "slip it under depending on the context".