work it in

USAGE SUMMARY

"work it in" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to incorporating something into a plan, schedule, or conversation. Example: "I need to work it in to our meeting agenda." Alternative expressions include "incorporate it" and "fit it in."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Slowly add the olive oil and work it in well.

Independent

Take a hell of a lot of butter and work it in everywhere.

Vice

Smother your head in it and work it in like shampoo.

WikiHow

Put a dab of lube on your skin and work it in gently with a bit of water.

WikiHow

Spray the carpet cleaning shampoo on the surface of the carpet, and work it in slowly and methodically with your brush.

WikiHow

Begin at the neck and move downward toward the rear and legs, using your fingers to spread the shampoo and work it in down to the skin.

WikiHow

"So I'll work it in my sleep.

The New York Times

If a siren goes off, we work it in.

The New York Times

"I don't know yet how I'm going to work it in," he said.

The New York Times

When it comes to flavor, you've got to get in there and work it in".

The New York Times - Food

"Maybe the doctor could work it in around five o'clock," Cahill said, staring down at the creature.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work it in", consider the context to ensure the level of effort and integration aligns with your intended meaning. It often implies a degree of effort or manipulation to make something fit.

Common error

Avoid using "work it in" when a simpler term like "include" or "add" suffices. "Work it in" suggests a more active and involved process of integration.

Linguistic Context

Work it in functions primarily as a phrasal verb indicating the action of incorporating something, often with some effort or manipulation, into a larger context. As seen in Ludwig's examples, this can range from mixing ingredients to integrating a new scene into a play.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

34%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "work it in" is a common and versatile expression used to describe the incorporation of something, often requiring effort or manipulation, into a larger context. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across various fields, from cooking and grooming to abstract concepts like integrating ideas into a plan. While the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's important to consider the context to ensure the level of effort implied by "work it in" aligns with your intended meaning. For more formal situations, consider using synonyms like "incorporate it" or "integrate it".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

integrate it

Focuses on a smoother, more seamless incorporation.

incorporate it

Emphasizes a formal and structured inclusion.

fit it in

Highlights the act of making something suitable or compatible for inclusion.

blend it in

Implies mixing something until it is indistinguishable from its surroundings.

weave it in

Suggests a delicate and artful integration, often used in storytelling or design.

mix it in

Describes the act of combining ingredients or elements into a homogeneous mixture.

tuck it in

Conveys the idea of neatly or carefully fitting something into a space or context.

merge it

Implies combining separate entities into a single, unified whole.

infuse it

Suggests a deep and thorough integration, often used in the context of flavors or ideas.

assimilate it

Focuses on the process of making something similar to or part of a whole.

FAQs

How can I use "work it in" in a sentence?

You can use "work it in" to describe incorporating something into a schedule, plan, or mixture. For example, "I need to work the meeting into my schedule" or "You have to work the butter in properly for the dough to be consistent".

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

You can use alternatives like "incorporate it", "integrate it", or "blend it in" depending on the context.

Is "work it in" formal or informal?

"Work it in" leans towards informal to neutral, but can be used in many contexts. In more formal settings, consider using "incorporate it" or "integrate it".

What's the difference between "work it in" and "add it"?

"Work it in" suggests a more active and possibly difficult process of incorporation, while "add it" is a more neutral term that implies a straightforward addition.