1. To chip in something is to give an amount of money to help pay for something.
Informal English.
Examples of use:
a. We are buying mum and dad an anniversary present. Would you like to chip in?
b. We all chipped in and paid for David and Martina’s honeymoon.
c. Everyone in the office is chipping in for Pierre’s leaving present.
d. Newspaper headline: Public will be asked to chip in £20 each towards 2012 athletes.
2. To chip in is also to interrupt or add a comment to someone else’s converation (mainly UK English). Informal English
Examples of use:
a. Can I just chip in here and say that I disagree with both of you?
b. I’ll start the discussion and then I’d like you all to chip in with your ideas.
| infinitive |
chip in |
| present simple |
chip in and chips in |
| -ing form |
chipping in |
| past simple |
chipped in |
| past participle |
chipped in |
Image © Perry French
