step in

IPA/stˈɛp ˈɪn/
IPA/stˈɛp ˈɪn/

step in — phrasal verb

  • step inbase form
  • steps in3rd person singular
  • stepping in-ing form
  • stepped inpast simple

1. to interrupt what is happening in a difficult or dangerous situation so that you

1.片語動詞不及物B2
釋義

to interrupt what is happening in a difficult or dangerous situation so that you can help, protect someone, or stop a problem from becoming worse

例句

A teacher stepped in to break up a fight in the schoolyard.

stepped in + to-infinitive (purpose)

When I rushed my mother to the hospital, my neighbor stepped in to watch the children.

同義詞
  • intervene

    more formal; common in official or professional contexts

  • mediate

    more specific — focuses on helping two sides reach an agreement, not just stopping trouble

  • get involved

    more informal; can imply unwanted involvement

反義詞

文法句型

step in

step in + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Intransitive — no direct object follows the phrasal verb. The reason for intervening is often added with a to-infinitive (e.g. stepped in to stop the fight).

常見錯誤

❌The manager stepped in the conflict.
✅The manager stepped in to resolve the conflict.
💡'step in' is intransitive; do not place a direct object or situation directly after 'in.' For the literal meaning of entering a space, use 'step into' instead.