move in
B1neutral
Definition
Meaning
To begin living in a new home or residence.
To occupy or take possession of a space; to begin using or operating within a new area; to become involved in a situation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Commonly functions as a phrasal verb (verb + particle) with inseparable particle in transitive usage ('They moved in the new tenants'), though often used intransitively ('We move in next week'). The meaning extends metaphorically to concepts like 'moving in on someone's territory'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling preferences follow standard UK/US conventions (e.g., 'neighbour' vs 'neighbor' in context).
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
intransitive: SUBJ + move intransitive: SUBJ + move + OBJ + intransitive: SUBJ + move in + OBJ (less common)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “move in on (someone/something)”
- “move in for the kill”
- “move in the same circles”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company will move into the new office building in Q3.
Academic
The research team moved into the lab facilities last semester.
Everyday
We're so excited to finally move in next Friday!
Technical
The mechanism allows the piston to move in and compress the fluid.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They'll move in after the tenancy agreement is signed.
- The council moved the homeless family into temporary accommodation.
American English
- We move in once the lease is finalized.
- The company moved the new hires into the downtown offices.
adjective
British English
- The move-in date is flexible.
- Please complete the move-in inspection.
American English
- Your move-in costs include a security deposit.
- We offer a move-in special for new tenants.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I will move in with my sister.
- They move in tomorrow.
- We finally moved into our new flat last weekend.
- When are you planning to move in?
- The new neighbours moved in quietly while we were on holiday.
- The artist moved into a studio downtown to focus on her work.
- After acquiring the startup, the tech giant gradually moved in on their competitor's market share.
- The troops were ordered to move in and secure the perimeter.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the preposition 'IN' - you go INside your new home.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY; A HOME IS A CONTAINER.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'двигаться внутрь' for the residential meaning. Use 'въезжать' or 'заселяться'.
- Don't confuse with 'move into', which can have broader metaphorical uses.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'move to in' (incorrect preposition doubling).
- Separating the particle unnecessarily: 'We moved quickly in' (awkward).
- Confusing with 'move into' (though often interchangeable).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'move in' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in its transitive sense (e.g., 'We moved the tenants in yesterday'). In its common intransitive sense ('We moved in yesterday'), there is no object to separate.
Often interchangeable for the core meaning. 'Move into' can slightly emphasise the process of entering or starting to occupy. 'Move in' can also stand alone without an object ('We moved in'), while 'move into' requires an object ('We moved into a house').
Yes, metaphorically. E.g., 'The large corporation moved in on the smaller company's territory' means they began to aggressively compete in or take over that area.
The direct opposite is 'move out', meaning to leave a residence or space you have been occupying.