join
/dʒɔɪn/ (bre, ipa) · /dʒɔɪn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈjȯin/ (ame, mw)
join — verb
- joinpresent simple I / you / we / they
- joinshe / she / it
- joinedpast simple
- joining-ing form
1. to put two or more objects together and fix them in position so they become one
to put two or more objects together and fix them in position so they become one connected piece
Liang joined the two pieces of wood with strong glue and left them to dry.
join + noun + with + noun (tool/instrument)
The plumber joined the copper pipes using a special fitting.
passive use: joined + using + [method]
Roya carefully joined the edges of the fabric with tiny stitches.
A small metal bracket was used to join the shelf to the wall.
文法句型
join + noun + to/with + noun
用法筆記
Often used with a preposition like 'to' or 'with' to show what two things are being attached.
常見錯誤
2. to reach the same location and connect — used when talking about roads, rivers,
to reach the same location and connect — used when talking about roads, rivers, paths, or other routes
The two hiking trails join near the waterfall in the forest.
intransitive: two things + join + location
A small footpath joins the main road just past the old church.
The railway lines join at a large station outside the city centre.
The Amazon River is formed where two smaller rivers join high in the mountains.
文法句型
noun + join + noun (road/path/river patterns)
用法筆記
Subject is always a route or line (road, river, path, pipe, cable). This sense rarely takes a human subject.
常見錯誤
3. to spend time with other people doing something or going somewhere together
to spend time with other people doing something or going somewhere together
Would you like to join us for dinner at the Thai restaurant tonight?
join + person + for + activity
Vinícius joined a weekend photography class to improve his camera skills.
Ife joined the neighbours in cleaning up the park after the storm.
More than two hundred people joined the charity walk last Saturday.
Ezra laughed when his little sister tried to join the grown-up conversation.
- participate in
more formal; used for organised events
- take part in
similar to participate; neutral register
- accompany
only for going somewhere with someone, not for activities
文法句型
join + noun (person/activity)
join + in + noun
join + for + noun
用法筆記
Use 'join in' (intransitive) when no direct object follows: 'We started dancing, and soon everyone joined in.'
常見錯誤
4. to officially become part of a club, team, company, or other organisation
to officially become part of a club, team, company, or other organisation
Christopher joined the school basketball team at the start of the term.
join + [team/organisation]
Rohan decided to join the local library so he could borrow books for free.
Asher's older brother joined the air force after finishing university.
You have to pay a small fee to join the fitness centre near the station.
Iris joined an online group for writers who share stories and advice.
- become a member of
more formal and explicit about membership
- sign up for
focuses on the enrolment process rather than the state of being a member
- enrol in
used especially for courses or educational programmes
- leave
to stop being a member of a group
- resign from
to formally end membership, especially in a professional context
- quit
informal; to stop being a member
文法句型
join + noun (organisation/club/team)
常見錯誤
5. to be counted among a very large set of people sharing the same experience or si
to be counted among a very large set of people sharing the same experience or situation
Thousands of runners join the London marathon every spring.
join + [large-scale event]
Luca joined the millions of people who watched the concert live online.
join + the millions / thousands of
After the factory closed, many workers joined the ranks of the unemployed.
Aylin joined the crowd of fans waiting outside the theatre for the star.
- swell the ranks of
more formal; often used for statistics or commentary
文法句型
join + noun (large group / rank / crowd)
用法筆記
Common with expressions like 'join the millions of', 'join the ranks of', or 'join the crowd of'. Subject is a person becoming part of an undifferentiated large group.
常見錯誤
6. if separate groups, organisations, or things join, they combine to form a single
if separate groups, organisations, or things join, they combine to form a single new unit or work together closely
The two small banks joined to create one larger financial group.
intransitive: two [things] + join + to + verb
The choir joined with the orchestra for the final piece of the evening.
join + with + [group]
Three local towns joined their money to build a new hospital.
Several environmental groups joined forces to protect the ancient forest.
文法句型
join + with + noun
join + noun + to + noun
用法筆記
Frequently used with 'forces' (join forces = work together toward a common goal) and 'together' (join together). In business contexts, 'merge' is often preferred.
常見錯誤
join — noun
- joinsingular
- joinsplural
1. the point at which two separate objects come together, often marked by a visible
the point at which two separate objects come together, often marked by a visible line
A rubber seal covers the join between the shower wall and the floor.
the join + between + noun + and + noun
You can see a faint join where the two carpets meet in the hallway.
The pipes were connected with a strong metal join that does not leak.
Dewi sanded the wooden frame to make the join smooth and invisible.
- joint
more common; used for body parts (knee joint) as well as mechanical connections
- seam
specifically where two pieces of fabric or material are stitched or welded
- connection
broader; can refer to non-physical links as well
文法句型
the + join + between + noun + and + noun
a + join + in + noun
用法筆記
Often used in construction, plumbing, or woodworking contexts. In everyday speech, 'joint' is more common for body parts or pre-built connections.