In-Phrases
Fixed expressions with 'in': in advance, in charge of, in danger, in a hurry, in common, in trouble. These phrases typically describe a condition or state.
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We argued for a while, but ___ the end we agreed.
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in
'In the end' is a fixed phrase meaning 'finally, eventually'.
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Sorry, I can't talk now — I'm ___ a hurry.
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in
'In a hurry' is a fixed phrase meaning 'rushing, with little time'.
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He looks young, but ___ fact he's almost fifty.
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in
'In fact' is a fixed phrase used to add real or surprising information.
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It looks hard, but ___ it's quite simple once you start.
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in fact
'In fact' introduces real or surprising information that corrects an impression.
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You should book the concert tickets ___ — they sell out fast.
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in advance
'In advance' means 'before the event, ahead of time'.
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___, the people in this town are friendly and welcoming.
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In general
'In general' means 'usually, in most cases'.
In-Phrases in English
'In' phrases in fixed expressions most commonly place a person or thing inside a state or condition. The English Profile Programme corpus shows that 'in advance', 'in charge of', and 'in trouble' appear in the top 50 most tested prepositional phrases at B1–B2 level in major English exams. A frequent error with this group is substituting 'at' for 'in' ('at advance') or choosing the wrong complement preposition ('in charge about' instead of 'in charge of').
Core In-Phrases
in charge of — Who is in charge of the marketing department?
in danger — The old bridge is in danger of collapsing.
in a hurry — I can't stop now — I'm in a hurry!
in common — We have a lot in common — we both love hiking.
in trouble — If you miss that deadline, you'll be in trouble.
'In Charge Of' — The Complement Preposition
The thing you are responsible for always follows 'in charge of'. The prepositions 'about', 'for', or 'with' are incorrect here and a very common error.
Common Mistakes
✗ She is in charge about the project. → ✓ She is in charge of the project.
✗ I'm on a hurry. → ✓ I'm in a hurry.
Last updated: · Satori Editorial