SpeakUp

Meaning trap

fit in

belong socially

To feel comfortable and accepted in a group or place.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

belong socially

To feel comfortable and accepted in a group or place.

fit in (have enough space or time)

Another meaning of 'fit in' is 'have enough space or time'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

View meaning map

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • It took me a few weeks to fit in at my new school.relationships
  • When I moved to a different city, it was hard to fit in at first because I didn't know anyone.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: fit in (with sb/sth)

WrongIt took time to fit in the new team.

RightIt took time to fit in with the new team.

To belong in a group, use 'fit in WITH' — bare 'fit in' (no 'with') is about space/time.

Patternfit in (with sb/sth)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff It was difficult to integrate socially with my new colleagues.

Natural It was hard to fit in with my new colleagues.

'Fit in' is the natural verb for belonging in a group; 'integrate socially' is sociology-textbook.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • fit in (with)
    with the othersat schoolwelleasily

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'fit', which is about size or shape.

Try it in Daily Speak →