ink in
C1/C2Informal, business, conversational
Definition
Meaning
To confirm or fix a date, time, or plan definitively; to schedule something officially.
To finalise and make permanent an arrangement, often by writing it down or entering it into a calendar, implying a strong commitment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This phrasal verb has a core meaning of making something permanent, derived from the idea of marking with indelible ink. It strongly implies a move from tentative to definite.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term equally. No significant spelling or meaning differences.
Connotations
In both varieties, it conveys a sense of business-like finality and commitment.
Frequency
Slightly more common in business and planning contexts than in casual conversation. Frequency is similar in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
ink in + noun (ink in the date)ink something + in (ink it in)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Set something in ink (related)”
- “Signed in blood (more extreme commitment)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common for confirming meetings, deadlines, and project milestones. 'Let's ink in the contract signing for next Friday.'
Academic
Rare. Might be used informally to schedule thesis defences or major review meetings.
Everyday
Used for confirming social plans, appointments, or holidays. 'We should ink in a weekend for that trip.'
Technical
Not typical.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to ink in the delivery date with the supplier.
- The board meeting is inked in for the 15th.
American English
- Let's ink in a time to review the proposal.
- I've got that conference inked in on my calendar.
adjective
British English
- The inked-in date is non-negotiable.
- We have an inked-in agreement.
American English
- Do you have an inked-in appointment?
- It's not just pencilled, it's inked-in.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Can we ink in a time for our call next week?
- After months of negotiation, they finally inked in the date for the merger announcement.
- The director's schedule is notoriously fluid, but we've managed to ink her in for a keynote at the summit.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of writing an appointment in a diary with permanent ink, not pencil. Once it's 'inked in', it's hard to erase.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMITMENT IS PERMANENT WRITING (pencil = tentative, ink = permanent).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating literally as 'чернилами внутрь'. There is no direct single-word equivalent. Use 'назначить окончательно' or 'подтвердить дату'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for emotional states (e.g., 'ink in your feelings' - incorrect). Confusing it with 'ink' as a noun or verb for writing.
Practice
Quiz
What is the core implication of 'inking in' a plan?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Pencil in' suggests a tentative, erasable plan. 'Ink in' means the plan is confirmed, final, and committed.
Not directly. You ink in an event, date, or plan. You might say 'We've inked him in to speak' meaning his speaking slot is confirmed.
It is common in informal business and professional communication. It is considered too casual for very formal legal or official documents.
The correct past tense is 'inked in' (e.g., 'We inked it in yesterday').