enter
A1Neutral, used across all registers.
Definition
Meaning
To come or go into a place.
To begin to be involved in something (e.g., a market, a profession, a discussion); to record information (e.g., data, a name); to become a member of an institution (e.g., a school, a club).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb 'enter' can be used transitively or intransitively, but a direct object is often used (e.g., 'enter the room,' not 'enter into the room' in most cases). 'Enter into' is used with abstract concepts like agreements or discussions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences: UK 'enter' vs. US 'enter' (no difference). The use of 'enter' vs. 'go/get into' may vary slightly, with 'enter' being slightly more formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in formal and written contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] entered [NP] (e.g., She entered the building).[NP] entered into [NP] (e.g., They entered into negotiations).[NP] entered [NP] on/into [NP] (e.g., He entered the data into the system).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “enter the fray”
- “enter one's head/mind”
- “enter into the spirit of something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company plans to enter the Asian market next quarter.
Academic
Participants were instructed to enter their responses into the online portal.
Everyday
You need a keycard to enter the gym after hours.
Technical
The command 'sudo' allows you to enter the system as a superuser.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Please knock before you enter.
- He entered the army at eighteen.
- She entered her details on the form.
American English
- You can't enter without a ticket.
- The company entered the smartphone market late.
- Enter your PIN at the keypad.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We entered the classroom quietly.
- What time did you enter the competition?
- Before you enter your password, make sure no one is watching.
- The treaty entered into force last month.
- Several new players have entered the political arena.
- You need to enter the coordinates precisely into the navigation system.
- The new legislation entered the statute books after a lengthy debate.
- Few companies dare to enter a market dominated by such a powerful incumbent.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a sign on a door: 'ENTER'.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY / PARTICIPATION IS ENTERING A CONTAINER (e.g., 'enter a profession').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'enter university' as 'enter into university' — use 'enter university' or 'go to university'.
- Do not confuse with 'input' (verb). 'Enter data' is correct; 'input data' is also possible but less common in formal writing.
- Remember that 'enter' often does not require a preposition before a direct object (e.g., 'enter the house', not 'enter into the house').
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He entered into the room.' Correct: 'He entered the room.' (Use 'into' for abstract things: agreements, discussions).
- Incorrect: 'She entered to the competition.' Correct: 'She entered the competition.'
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'enter' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. For physical spaces, use 'enter' + direct object: 'enter the room'. 'Enter into' is used for abstract things like agreements, discussions, or contracts.
The most common related noun is 'entry' (e.g., 'gain entry', 'entry requirements'). 'Entrance' is also related but refers more to the place or act of entering.
Yes, but it's less common. It is often used in signs or general instructions (e.g., 'Do not enter', 'Enter at your own risk'). In most detailed contexts, an object is used.
Both can mean to put data into a system. 'Enter' is more common and general (enter a command, enter your name). 'Input' is more technical and specifically implies feeding data into a computer or process.