walked in

USAGE SUMMARY

"walked in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the action of someone entering a room or place. For example, "John walked in and greeted the room with a warm smile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Look who just walked in!" he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

They walked in silently.

Los Angeles Times

Visitors walked in.

The New Yorker

A customer walked in.

The New Yorker

Cox walked in.

The New York Times - Sports

The sheriff walked in.

The New Yorker

Durocher walked in.

The New York Times - Arts

The vacationer walked in.

The New Yorker

A strange walked in.

The New Yorker

Passers-by walked in.

The New York Times

Another woman walked in.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs like "burst in" or "strode in" if you want to convey more about the manner of entry.

Common error

Avoid using "walked in" when a more descriptive verb would better convey the character's mood or the atmosphere of the scene. For example, instead of "She walked in," consider "She tiptoed in cautiously" if she's trying not to be heard.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "walked in" is that of a phrasal verb, specifically intransitive, indicating the action of entering a space by walking. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various narrative contexts, such as describing someone's arrival or appearance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "walked in" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of entering a place by walking. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it leans slightly towards informality. When writing, consider whether a more descriptive verb might better suit the scene or character. Alternatives like ""entered"" or ""came in"" can provide different nuances. Remembering these tips will help you use "walked in" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

came in

A simpler and more general way to express the act of entering.

entered

A more formal synonym for "walked in", implying a deliberate act of going into a place.

stepped inside

Emphasizes the action of crossing the threshold into an interior space.

arrived

Focuses on the completion of a journey and the act of reaching a destination.

burst in

Describes a forceful or sudden entry, often with a sense of urgency or excitement.

showed up

Suggests a more casual or informal arrival, often implying a sense of expectation or surprise.

made an entrance

Implies a dramatic or noticeable arrival, often drawing attention to the person entering.

gained entry

Suggests that access was obtained, perhaps with some difficulty or permission.

presented oneself

A formal and somewhat archaic way of saying someone entered a room.

materialized

Suggests a sudden or unexpected appearance, as if from nowhere.

FAQs

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

You can use "walked in" to describe someone entering a place, such as "He "walked in" and sat down" or "She "walked in", looking surprised".

What are some alternatives to "walked in"?

Some alternatives to "walked in" include "entered", "came in", or "stepped inside". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "walked in" formal or informal?

"Walked in" is generally considered a neutral to slightly informal phrase, suitable for everyday conversation and writing. More formal alternatives include "entered" or "approached".

How does "walked in" differ from "entered"?

"Entered" is a more formal and general term for going into a place. "Walked in" specifically implies that the person entered by walking and is less formal. You might say "He "walked in" casually," but you wouldn't typically say "He entered casually".