pitch in: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “pitch in” mean?
To join in and contribute (help, money, effort) to a common effort.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To join in and contribute (help, money, effort) to a common effort.
To begin to work enthusiastically with others on a task; to make a financial or practical contribution towards a shared goal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The phrase is equally common in both dialects.
Connotations
Universally positive, suggesting teamwork and willingness.
Frequency
High frequency in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “pitch in” in a Sentence
SUBJ + pitch in (+ with NP) (+ to-INF)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pitch in” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We all mucked in to get the village fete ready.
- If everyone pitches in a fiver, we can get her a decent gift.
American English
- Everyone pitched in to clean the park after the festival.
- Can you pitch in twenty dollars for the pizza?
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"We need all departments to pitch in if we're going to meet this quarterly target."
Academic
In group projects, successful outcomes depend on all members pitching in equitably.
Everyday
"If everyone pitches in with the washing up, we'll be done in no time."
Technical
Not typically used in technical registers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pitch in”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pitch in”
- *I pitched in the ball. (Wrong meaning)
- *She pitched in some money for him. (Awkward; 'chipped in' is better for money when recipient is specified)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot say 'pitch money in'. You say 'pitch in money' or 'pitch in with money'.
Yes. It can mean to contribute money ('pitch in $10') or physical/mental effort ('pitch in to help').
They are often interchangeable, especially regarding money. 'Chip in' is slightly more specific to financial contributions, while 'pitch in' is broader, covering any type of help.
It is informal. In formal writing, synonyms like 'contribute' or 'collaborate' are preferred.
To join in and contribute (help, money, effort) to a common effort.
Pitch in: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɪtʃ ɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɪtʃ ɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Many hands make light work.”
- “A trouble shared is a trouble halved.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a baseball pitcher (PITCH) stepping INto the game to help the team – that's 'pitching in'.
Conceptual Metaphor
COOPERATION IS SHARING A BURDEN / A GROUP IS A TEAM.
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY meaning of 'pitch in'?