What are the definitions of “crowd in on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To surround or close in on someone or something.
Everything was crowding in on me and I felt that I couldn’t cope.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “crowd in on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb crowd in on is to surround or close in on someone or something, often causing discomfort or a feeling of being overwhelmed. It can be used to describe physical situations, such as people or objects surrounding someone, or emotional situations, such as feelings or thoughts overwhelming a person.
What are the different verb forms of “crowd in on”?
| Root Verb | crowd in on |
| Third Person Singular Present | crowds in on |
| Present Participle | crowding in on |
| Simple Past | crowded in on |
| Past Participle | crowded in on |
Example
The fans crowded in on the celebrity as he left the building.
Example
The stress crowds in on her when she has too many tasks to complete.
Example
The memories are crowding in on him, making it difficult to focus.
Example
The other players crowded in on him during the game, making it hard to move.
Example
She felt crowded in on by the responsibilities of her new job.
What kind of phrasal verb is “crowd in on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“crowd in on” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The people crowded in on her as she tried to leave.
Example
His thoughts crowded in on him, making it hard to concentrate.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“crowd in on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The people crowded in on her as she tried to leave.
Example
His thoughts crowded in on him, making it hard to concentrate.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “crowd in on”?
Crowd in on someone's space
To invade someone's personal space or make them feel uncomfortable by being too close.
Example
Please don't crowd in on my space; I need some room to breathe.
Crowd in on someone's thoughts
To overwhelm someone with thoughts or emotions, making it difficult for them to think clearly.
Example
Worries about the future are crowding in on her thoughts, causing anxiety.
Crowd in on someone's time
To take up a significant amount of someone's time, leaving them with little time for other activities.
Example
Work has been crowding in on his time, leaving him with no time for hobbies.
Good things to know
Does “crowd in on” have an informal or formal tone?
Crowd in on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in written reports or presentations.
