chip in: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighInformal
Quick answer
What does “chip in” mean?
To contribute money, effort, or input to a shared cause or joint activity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To contribute money, effort, or input to a shared cause or joint activity.
To interrupt or join a conversation with a brief comment; to add one's share to a collective endeavor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use it identically in core meaning. 'Chip in for' is slightly more common in UK English for monetary contributions (e.g., chip in for a gift).
Connotations
Neutral to positive. Suggests cooperation and community spirit.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “chip in” in a Sentence
[Someone] chips in [money/amount] for [something][Someone] chips in with [comment/idea/help][Someone] chips in to [do something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chip in” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We all chipped in a fiver for Steve's leaving present.
- Sarah chipped in with a brilliant suggestion during the brainstorming session.
- Can you chip in for the taxi?
American English
- Everyone chipped in twenty bucks for the pizza party.
- He always chips in with a funny story when things get quiet.
- We need to chip in to get her a proper graduation gift.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as an adverb. Use participial adjective: 'a chipped-in amount').
American English
- (Not standard as an adverb. Use participial adjective: 'the chipped-in money').
adjective
British English
- A chip-in contribution was agreed by all flatmates.
- It was a real chip-in effort to clean the common room.
American English
- We organized a chip-in fund for the team coach.
- Their chip-in mentality made the project a success.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal meetings: 'If everyone chips in, we can finish the report by Friday.' Refers to collaborative effort, not usually formal budgets.
Academic
Rare in formal writing. Used in collaborative project descriptions among students.
Everyday
Very common for shared gifts, meals, trips, household chores, and casual conversations.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chip in”
Strong
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chip in”
- Using 'chip in' for large, sole contributions (incorrect: 'He chipped in the entire funding').
- Incorrect preposition: 'chip in on' is less standard than 'chip in for' or 'chip in towards'.
- Using in overly formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but often it isn't separated. You can say 'We chipped £50 in' but it's more natural as 'We chipped in £50' or 'We chipped in with £50'.
'Chip in' is more informal and often implies a smaller, part-of-a-group contribution. 'Contribute' is neutral and can be used for any level of contribution, formal or informal.
Absolutely. It's very common for contributing ideas, comments, effort, or help (e.g., 'Everyone chipped in to clean up', 'He chipped in with a solution').
Yes, but in informal business contexts like team meetings, not in formal financial reports or contracts. It emphasizes teamwork and collective action.
To contribute money, effort, or input to a shared cause or joint activity.
Chip in is usually informal in register.
Chip in: in British English it is pronounced /tʃɪp ɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃɪp ɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “chip in your two cents/pence worth”
- “every little helps (when chipping in)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a poker game where players put ('chip in') their chips to the central pot. You're adding your piece to the collective pool.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTRIBUTION IS ADDING A PIECE TO A WHOLE (like a chip of wood or stone to a mosaic).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'chip in' LEAST appropriate?