in

in

in [preposition] (INSIDE)

Inside or towards the inside of a container, place, or area, or surrounded or closed off by something

US /ɪn/ 
UK /ɪn/ 
Example: 

Put the milk back in the fridge when you've finished with it.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

 preposition

1 a word that shows where somebody or something is:
a country in Africa
He put his hand in the water
She was lying in bed.

2 making all or part of something:
There are 100 centimetres in a metre.

3 a word that shows when something happens:
My birthday is in May.
He started school in 1987.

4 a word that shows how long something takes:
I'll be ready in ten minutes.

5 a word that shows what clothes somebody is wearing:
He was dressed in a suit.

6 a word that shows how somebody or something is:
This room is in a mess.
Jenny was in tears (= she was crying).
Sit in a circle.

7 a word that shows somebody's job:
He's in the army.

8 a word that shows in what way or in what language:
Write your name in capital letters.
They were speaking in French.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

in

I. in1 S1 W1 /ɪn/ BrE AmE preposition
[Language: Old English]
1. used with the name of a container, place, or area to say where someone or something is:
There’s some sugar in the cupboard.
My mother was in the kitchen.
He took us for a drive in his new car.
I found her sitting up in bed.
Manson spent fifteen years in prison.
a hole in the ground
Mr Fisher is in Boston this week.
My parents live in New Zealand now.
2. into a container, place etc:
I never went in pubs.
He almost drowned when he fell in the river.
You can put your pyjamas in the bottom drawer.
Get in the car.
She looked in her handbag, but her keys were not there.
3. used to say how something is done or happens:
a room furnished in the modern style
Her parents always talk to her in German.
She shouted my name in a harsh voice.
a short note scribbled in pencil
The title was printed in capital letters.
We waited in silence.
4. used with the names of months, years, seasons etc to say when something happens:
Shaw first visited Russia in 1927.
Bright yellow flowers appear in late summer.
He retired in October.
5. during a period of time:
It was amazing how much we managed to do in a day.
the hardest decision I ever made in my life
GRAMMAR
Do not use in before 'this’, 'last', and 'next' when saying when something happens:
▪ I got a letter from my sister this morning (NOT in this morning).
▪ I hope to go to Europe next summer (NOT in next summer).
You do not normally use in when saying how often something happens during a particular period of time:
▪ The group meets four times a week (NOT four times in a week). But when you are emphasizing how often something happens, you can use in in front of one:
▪ She was late for school four times in one week.
6. at the end of a period of time:
I’ll be with you in a minute.
The results will be announced in two weeks’ time.
7. used with negatives or with ‘first’ to say how much time has passed since the last time something happened:
I haven’t enjoyed myself so much in years.
It was the team’s first win in eighteen months.
8. used to name the book, document, film etc where something or someone appears:
You shouldn’t believe everything you read in the newspapers.
Which actress starred in the film ‘Cleopatra’?
There are a few mistakes in your essay.
In his speech, Professor Leary praised the work of the volunteers.
9. making up the whole of something or included as part of something:
There are twelve programmes in the series.
How many minutes are there in an hour?
Think of a word with eight letters in it meaning ‘cold’.
Owen will be playing in the England team tomorrow.
10. doing or affecting a particular kind of job:
a career in industry
He’s been in politics for fifteen years.
reforms in education
11. wearing something:
He looked very handsome in his uniform.
She was dressed in a blue linen suit.
12. used to talk about the state or situation of something or someone:
I hear that their marriage is in trouble.
The engine appears to be in good condition.
His life was in danger.
The castle now lies in ruins.
13. used to say what activity a group of people do:
About 4,000 students took part in the protest.
his role in the negotiations
14. used to talk about the shape, arrangement, or course of something or someone:
I want you all to stand in a circle.
She slept curled up in a ball.
Can you walk in a straight line?
15. used between a smaller number and a larger number to say how common or how likely something is:
One in ten homes now has cable TV.
Smokers have a one in three chance of dying from their habit.
16. used before a plural number or amount to say how many people or things are involved, or how many there are in each group:
Eggs are still sold in half dozens.
The children work in pairs.
in their hundreds/thousands etc (=in very large numbers)
People flocked in their thousands to greet their new princess.
17. used between a smaller number or amount and a larger one to say what a rate is:
Income tax stands at 23 pence in the pound.
a hill with a gradient of one in six
18. used to say what colour something is or what it is made of:
Do you have the same pattern in blue?
a sculpture in white marble
19. used to say what specific thing your statement is related to:
Milk is very rich in calcium.
Clark had become more extreme in his opinions.
an increase in fuel prices
The street is about a mile in length.
20. used to refer to the weather or the physical conditions somewhere:
I’ve been standing in the rain for over an hour.
Would you prefer to sit in the shade?
21. used to say what feeling you have when you do something:
She looked at me in horror.
It was all done purely in fun.
22. used before the name of someone or something when you are saying how they are regarded:
You have a very good friend in Pat.
In Dwight D. Eisenhower the Republicans had found the ideal candidate.
23. used to say what person or thing has the quality you are mentioning:
There was a hint of spring in the air.
I don’t think Freddy had it in him to be a killer.
She’s everything I’d want in a wife (=she has every quality I would want a wife to have).
24. used to name the substance, food, drink etc that contains something:
Vitamin D is found in butter.
25. used to say how many parts something is divided into:
a radio serial in four parts
in two/halves/pieces etc
I tore the letter in two and threw the pieces in the fire.
26. while doing something or while something is happening, and as a result of this:
In all the confusion, it is quite possible that some people got tickets without paying.
In my excitement, I forgot all about the message.
in doing something
In trying to protect the queen, Howard had put his own life in danger.
27. in that used after a statement to begin to explain in what way it is true:
I’ve been lucky in that I have never had to worry about money.
28. be in your 20s/30s/40s etc to be between the ages of 20 and 29, 30 and 39 etc:
Matthews was already in his mid-40s.
in all at ↑all1(11)
• • •
THESAURUS
after preposition after something happens, or after a period of time has passed. After is used especially when taking about the past: We went for a walk after lunch. | After an hour, we got tired of waiting and went home. | They got married just after Christmas.
in preposition after a particular period of time. In is used especially when talking about the future, especially the next few minutes, hours, days etc: The concert’s due to start in a few minutes. | I’ll come back in an hour. | In a few years’ time, this place will look completely different.
within preposition after less than a month, two weeks etc has passed – used especially when the time seems surprisingly short: within a month/two weeks etc: He developed a headache at lunchtime, and within two hours he was dead. | Within two days of arriving she had managed to upset everyone.
24 hours/a year etc from now at a time 24 hours, a year etc after now: A week from now we’ll be in Paris.
afterwards (also afterward especially American English) adverb after an event or time you have mentioned: Jones admitted afterwards that she had been very nervous during the game. | Speaking to reporters afterward, he said the operation had been a success. | He moved to Belgium, and soon afterwards he met Angela.
later adverb some time after now or after the time you are talking about: I’ll tell you about it later when I’m less busy. | two months/three years etc later: James went off, and came back ten minutes later with some food.
subsequently adverb formal after something had happened in the past: The book was published in 1954 and was subsequently translated into fifteen languages.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

in

in preposition, adverb, adjective, noun   [ɪn]    [ɪn] 

preposition  For the special uses of in in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example deal in sth is in the phrasal verb section at deal.
1. at a point within an area or a space
a country in Africa
The kids were playing in the street.
• It's in that drawer.

• I read about it in the paper.

2. within the shape of sth; surrounded by sth
She was lying in bed.
sitting in an armchair
• Leave the key in the lock.

• Soak it in cold water.

3. into sth
• He dipped his brush in the paint.

• She got in her car and drove off.

4. forming the whole or part of sth/sb; contained within sth/sb
There are 31 days in May.
• all the paintings in the collection

• I recognize his father in him (= his character is similar to his father's).

5. during a period of time
in 2009
in the 18th century
in spring/summer/autumn/winter
in the fall
in March
• in the morning/afternoon/evening

• I'm getting forgetful in my old age.

6. after a particular length of time
to return in a few minutes/hours/days/months.
It will be ready in a week's time (= one week from now).

• She learnt to drive in three weeks (= after three weeks she could drive).

7. (used in negative sentences or after first, last, etc.) for a particular period of time
• I haven't seen him in years.

• It's the first letter I've had in ten days.

8. wearing sth
dressed in their best clothes
the man in the hat
• to be in uniform

• She was all in black.

9. used to describe physical surroundings
• We went out in the rain.

• He was sitting alone in the darkness.

10. used to show a state or condition
I'm in love!
The house is in good repair.
I must put my affairs in order.
• a man in his thirties

• The daffodils were in full bloom.

11. involved in sth; taking part in sth

• to act in a play

12. used to show sb's job or profession
He is in the army.
• She's in computers.

• in business

13. used to show the form, shape, arrangement or quantity of sth
a novel in three parts
Roll it up in a ball.
• They sat in rows.

• People flocked in their thousands to see her.

14. used to show the language, material, etc. used
Say it in English.
She wrote in pencil.
Put it in writing.
• I paid in cash.

• He spoke in a loud voice.

15. concerning sth
She was not lacking in courage.
• a country rich in minerals

• three metres in length

16. while doing sth; while sth is happening
• In attempting to save the child from drowning, she nearly lost her own life.

• In all the commotion I forgot to tell him the news.

17. used to introduce the name of a person who has a particular quality

• We're losing a first-rate editor in Jen.

18. used to show a rate or relative amount
a gradient of one in five
a tax rate of 22 pence in the pound  
Word Origin:
Old English in (preposition), inn, inne (adverb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch and German in (preposition), German ein (adverb), from an Indo-European root shared by Latin in and Greek en.

Idioms: have an in with somebody  in and out  in at something  in for something  in on something  in that  in to something  in with somebody  ins and outs 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

in / ɪn / preposition (INSIDE)

A1 inside or towards the inside of a container, place, or area, or surrounded or closed off by something:

Put the milk back in the fridge when you've finished with it.

Is Mark still in bed?

I got stuck in a traffic jam for half an hour.

They live in a charming old cottage.

How much is that coat on display in the window (= in the space behind the window of the shop) ?

I've got a pain in my back.

What's that in your hand?

I've got something in (= on the surface of) my eye.

They used to live in Paris, but now they're somewhere in Austria.

He's always looking at himself in the mirror (= at the image of his face produced by the mirror) .

I never know what's going on in her head (= what she's thinking about) .

My daughter's in hospital ( US in the hospital) having her tonsils out.

US Is Erika still in school (= does she still go to school) ?
 

in / ɪn / preposition (INTO)

into something:

Come on, we're late - get in the car.

Put it in the cupboard.

They threw him in the swimming pool.
 

in / ɪn / preposition (PART)

A2 forming a part of something:

He used to be the lead singer in a rock 'n' roll band.

There are too many spelling mistakes in this essay.

I've been waiting in this queue for ages.

What do you look for in a relationship?

I can see a future champion in Joely (= I think that Joely might become a champion) .

Talent like hers is rare in someone so young.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

in / ɪn / preposition (DURING)

A1 during part or all of a period of time:

We're going to Italy in April.

Some trees lose their leaves in (the) autumn.

I started working here in 2009.

Life in the 19th century was very different from what it is now.

Bye, see you in the morning (= tomorrow morning) .

She was a brilliant gymnast in her youth (= when she was young) .

How many civilians died in the Vietnam War?

This is the first cigarette I've had in three years.

I haven't had a decent night's sleep in years/ages (= for a long time) .

in between between the two times mentioned:

I have breakfast at 7.30, lunch at 1.00, and sometimes a snack in between.
 

in / ɪn / preposition (NO MORE THAN)

A2 needing or using no more time than a particular amount of time:

Can you finish the job in two weeks?

She could get that essay done in a couple of hours if she really tried.

They completed the journey in record time (= faster than ever done before) .
 

in / ɪn / preposition (BEFORE THE END)

A2 before or at the end of a particular period:

Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.

We'll all be dead in a hundred years so there's no point worrying about it.

I'm just setting off, so I should be with you in half an hour.
 

in / ɪn / preposition (EXPERIENCING)

B1 experiencing a situation or condition, or feeling an emotion:

We watched in horror as they pulled the bodies from the wreckage.

He's living in luxury in the south of France.

She left in a bit of a hurry.

You're in great danger.

Could I have a word with you in private?

Have you ever been in love?

Your car's in very good condition, considering how old it is.
 

in / ɪn / preposition (EXPRESSED)

B1 expressed or written in a particular way:

Cheques should be written in ink.

She usually paints in watercolour.

They spoke in Russian the whole time.

He always talks in a whisper.
 

in / ɪn / preposition (RESULT)

B2 used when referring to something that is done as a result of something else:

I'd like to do something for you in return / exchange for everything you've done for me.

The changes are in response to demand from our customers.

He refused to say anything in reply to the journalists' questions.
 

in / ɪn / preposition (ARRANGEMENT)

B1 used to show how things or people are arranged or divided:

We all sat down in a circle.

The desks were arranged in rows of ten.

Discounts are available to people travelling in large groups.

Sometimes customers buy books in twos and threes, but rarely in larger quantities than that.

Cut the potatoes in two.

People are dying in their thousands from cold and starvation.
 

in / ɪn / preposition (AGE/TEMPERATURE)

used when referring approximately to someone's age or the weather temperature:

Nowadays many women are in their late thirties when they have their first child.

Temperatures will be in the mid-twenties (= about 25 degrees) .

 

in / ɪn / preposition (INVOLVED)

B1 involved or connected with a particular subject or activity:

I never knew you were in publishing.

a degree in philosophy

advances in medical science
 

in / ɪn / preposition (WEARING)

B1 wearing:

Do you recognize that man in the grey suit?

Pat can't resist men in uniform.

You look nice in green (= green clothes) .
 

in / ɪn / preposition (COMPARING AMOUNTS)

used to compare one part of an amount of something with the total amount of it:

Apparently one in ten people/one person in ten has problems with reading.

UK The basic rate of income tax is 25 pence in ( US on ) the pound.
 

in / ɪn / preposition (CHARACTERISTIC)

used to show which characteristic or part of a person or thing is being described:

The new version is worse in every respect - I much preferred the original.

Are the two bags equal in weight?

She's deaf in her left ear.
 

in / ɪn / preposition (CAUSE)

[ + -ing verb ] used to show when doing one thing is the cause of another thing happening:

In refus ing (= because she refused) to work abroad, she missed an excellent job opportunity.

The government banned tobacco advertising and, in doing so (= because of this) , contributed greatly to the nation's health.

in that formal because:

This research is important in that it confirms the link between aggression and alcohol.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

in
I. POSITION OR MOVEMENT

The preposition is pronounced /ɪn/. The adverb is pronounced /ɪn/.
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
Note: In addition to the uses shown below, 'in' is used after some verbs, nouns, and adjectives in order to introduce extra information. 'In' is also used with verbs of movement such as ‘walk’ and ‘push’, and in phrasal verbs such as ‘give in’ and ‘dig in’.
1.
Someone or something that is in something else is enclosed by it or surrounded by it. If you put something in a container, you move it so that it is enclosed by the container.
He was in his car.
...clothes hanging in the wardrobe...
PREP
2.
If something happens in a place, it happens there.
We spent a few days in a hotel...
He had intended to take a holiday in America...
PREP
3.
If you are in, you are present at your home or place of work.
My flatmate was in at the time...
out
ADV: be ADV
4.
When someone comes in, they enter a room or building.
She looked up anxiously as he came in...
They shook hands and went in.
ADV: ADV after v
5.
If a train, boat, or plane has come in or is in, it has arrived at a station, port, or airport.
We’d be watching every plane coming in from Melbourne...
Look. The train’s in. We’ll have to run for it now.
ADV: ADV after v, be ADV
6.
When the sea or tide comes in, the sea moves towards the shore rather than away from it.
She thought of the tide rushing in, covering the wet sand...
out
ADV: ADV after v, be ADV
7.
Something that is in a window, especially a shop window, is just behind the window so that you can see it from outside.
There was a camera for sale in the window.
PREP
8.
When you see something in a mirror, the mirror shows an image of it.
I couldn’t bear to see my reflection in the mirror...
PREP
9.
If you are dressed in a piece of clothing, you are wearing it.
He was a big man, smartly dressed in a suit and tie.
PREP: oft -ed PREP n
10.
Something that is covered or wrapped in something else has that thing over or round its surface.
His legs were covered in mud.
PREP: oft -ed PREP n
11.
If there is something such as a crack or hole in something, there is a crack or hole on its surface.
There was a deep crack in the ceiling above him.
PREP

II. INCLUSION OR INVOLVEMENT

/ɪn/
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
If something is in a book, film, play, or picture, you can read it or see it there.
Don’t stick too precisely to what it says in the book.
PREP
2.
If you are in something such as a play or a race, you are one of the people taking part.
Alf offered her a part in the play he was directing...
More than fifteen thousand people took part in the memorial service.
PREP
3.
Something that is in a group or collection is a member of it or part of it.
The New England team are the worst in the league.
PREP
4.
You use in to specify a general subject or field of activity.
...those working in the defence industry.
...future developments in medicine.
PREP

III. TIME AND NUMBERS

/ɪn/
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
If something happens in a particular year, month, or other period of time, it happens during that time.
...that early spring day in April 1949...
Export orders improved in the last month...
In the evening, the people assemble in the mosques...
PREP
2.
If something happens in a particular situation, it happens while that situation is going on.
His father had been badly wounded in the last war.
...issues you struggle with in your daily life.
PREP
3.
If you do something in a particular period of time, that is how long it takes you to do it.
He walked two hundred and sixty miles in eight days.
PREP: PREP amount
4.
If something will happen in a particular length of time, it will happen after that length of time.
I’ll have some breakfast ready in a few minutes...
They’ll be back in six months.
PREP: PREP amount
5.
You use in to indicate roughly how old someone is. For example, if someone is in their fifties, they are between 50 and 59 years old.
...young people in their twenties.
PREP: PREP poss pl-num
6.
You use in to indicate roughly how many people or things do something.
...men who came there in droves...
PREP: oft PREP num
7.
You use in to express a ratio, proportion, or probability.
Last year, one in five boys left school without a qualification...
PREP: num PREP num

IV. STATES AND QUALITIES

/ɪn/
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
If something or someone is in a particular state or situation, that is their present state or situation.
The economy was in trouble...
Dave was in a hurry to get back to work...
Their equipment was in poor condition...
PREP: v-link PREP n
2.
You use in to indicate the feeling or desire which someone has when they do something, or which causes them to do it.
Simpson looked at them in surprise...
Chris was weeping in anger and grief...
PREP
3.
If a particular quality or ability is in you, you naturally have it.
Violence is not in his nature...
PREP: oft PREP pron to-inf
4.
You use in when saying that someone or something has a particular quality.
He had all the qualities I was looking for in a partner...
‘I don’t agree,’ she said, surprised at the strength in her own voice...
PREP
5.
You use in to indicate how someone is expressing something.
Information is given to the patient verbally and in writing.
...lessons in languages other than Spanish.
PREP
6.
You use in in expressions such as in a row or in a ball to describe the arrangement or shape of something.
The cards need to be laid out in two rows...
Her ear, shoulder and hip are in a straight line...
PREP
7.
If something is in a particular colour, it has that colour.
...white flowers edged in pink...
PREP: oft -ed PREP colour
8.
You use in to specify which feature or aspect of something you are talking about.
The movie is nearly two hours in length...
There is a big difference in the amounts that banks charge.
...a real increase in the standard of living...
PREP

V. OTHER USES AND PHRASES

Pronounced /ɪn/ for meanings 1 and 3 to 8, and /ɪn/ for meaning 2.

(ins)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
If you say that something is in, or is the in thing, you mean it is fashionable or popular. (INFORMAL)
A few years ago jogging was the in thing...
ADJ
2.
You use in with a present participle to indicate that when you do something, something else happens as a result.
In working with others, you find out more about yourself.
PREP: PREP -ing
3.
If you say that someone is in for a shock or a surprise, you mean that they are going to experience it.
You might be in for a shock at the sheer hard work involved...
PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n
4.
If someone has it in for you, they dislike you and try to cause problems for you. (INFORMAL)
The other kids had it in for me.
PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n
5.
If you are in on something, you are involved in it or know about it.
I don’t know. I wasn’t in on that particular argument...
PREP-PHRASE: v-link PREP n, v n PREP n
6.
If you are in with a person or group, they like you and accept you, and are likely to help you. (INFORMAL)
PHRASE: PHR n
7.
You use in that to introduce an explanation of a statement you have just made.
I’m lucky in that I’ve got four sisters.
PHRASE
8.
The ins and outs of a situation are all the detailed points and facts about it.
...the ins and outs of high finance...
PHRASE: usu the PHR of n/-ing

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1in /ˈɪn, ən/ prep
1
- used to indicate location or position within something
• We went for a swim in the lake.
• They have a house in the country.
• Albuquerque is in New Mexico.
• There wasn't a cloud in the sky.
• I like to read in bed. [=while sitting or lying on my bed]
• He was wounded in the leg.
• We had to stand in line for tickets.
• Why don't you look it up in the dictionary?
• There's something in my eye. [=between my eyelid and my eyeball]
• There was fear in their eyes. [=I could tell they were afraid when I looked at their eyes]
• I held her in my arms.
• He saw his reflection in the mirror.
2 : to the inside of (a room, container, etc.)
• She went in [=into] the house.
• Don't come in here with those muddy feet!
• I threw it in [=into] the garbage.
3 a
- used to indicate that someone or something belongs to or is included as part of something
• She used to play in [=as a member of] a band.
• There are 12 in a dozen. [=a dozen is equal to 12]
b
- used to indicate the existence of something or someone within a story, movie, etc.
• a character in a story
• a scene in a movie
• He saw it in a dream.
4 a : during (a period of time, a season, etc.)
• It happened in the 1930s.
• She likes to travel in [=during] the summer.
• Call us sometime in [=during] the morning/afternoon/evening.
• They plan to open in September.
• We haven't seen them in [=for] ages!
• Back in those days, we didn't have computers.
• an important moment in history
• Never in my life have I heard such a thing!
• I lost track of them in [=during] all the commotion/confusion.
b : at the end of (a period of time)
• I'll be there in a minute.
• The movie is coming out in a few months.
• He got his degree in only three years.
c
- used to indicate an approximate age or number
• a woman in her thirties [=a woman who is between 30 and 39 years old]
• Our members number in the thousands. [=more than 2,000]
5 a
- used to indicate the method, materials, or form of something
• a note written in pencil [=using a pencil]
• a note written in French
• a symphony in (the key of) C
• The book is bound in leather.
• They were covered in mud from head to toe.
• She gave us 50 dollars in cash.
• The measurements are listed in both inches and centimeters.
• The shirts come in three sizes.
b
- used to indicate the color of something
• I decorated the room in blues and grays. [=using different shades of blue and gray]
6 a
- used to indicate the state or condition of someone or something
• We'll be in trouble if we can't get the brakes to work! [=we will experience a situation that is difficult, dangerous, etc.]
• She was in and out of trouble for many years.
• young people in love [=experiencing romantic love]
• Are you in much pain?
• I just stood there gaping in amazement.
• They're not in any danger.
b : to a specified state, condition, or form
• They were always getting in [=into] trouble.
• The vase broke in [=into] pieces.
• They divided the money in [=into] thirds.
7
- used to indicate how people or things are arranged
• They stood in a circle.
• The chairs were placed in a row.
8
- used to indicate the conditions that are around someone or something
• I found her sitting in the dark. = I found her sitting in darkness.
• Don't just stand there in the rain!
9 : while or as a result of (doing something)
In trying to please everyone, I ended up pleasing no one.
• Many mistakes were made in planning the project.
10
- used to indicate the manner or purpose of something
• “No way!” she said in reply.
• The remark was made in jest.
• They sure left in a hurry!
• We held a banquet in his honor. [=to honor him]
• They went in search of lost treasure. [=to search for lost treasure]
• She moved to the city in hopes of finding a better job. [=with the hope that she would find a better job]
• They increased the penalties in an attempt to discourage lawbreakers.
11
- used to make a statement or description more limited or specific in meaning
• They are slow in their movements. [=their movements are slow]
• The two are alike in some ways/respects. [=they have some similarities]
• It measures two feet in length. [=it is two feet long]
• The idea works in theory, but not in practice.
In a way, it makes sense. [=it makes sense if you consider a particular fact, idea, etc.]
12
- used to indicate the person who is being described
• We've lost a valuable employee in Mike.
In her, you have a true friend.
13
- used to indicate the object of a belief, opinion, or feeling
• Have a little faith in them!
• Do you believe in ghosts? [=do you think ghosts are real?]
• I really don't know what she sees in him. [=I don't know why she likes/loves him]
• I have no interest in sports. [=sports do not interest me]
14
- used to indicate a job or area of activity
• She has a job in marketing.
• I hear he's in advertising. [=he has a job that involves advertising]
• She's struggling in math.
15
- used to indicate the existence of something as a part of someone's character
• He has no pity in him.
• I tried to be tough with them, but I just didn't have it in me. [=I wasn't able to be tough with them]
16 : wearing (something) as clothes
• He showed up in his best suit.
• the boy in the red jacket
• a lady in black [=a lady wearing black clothes]
17
- used to describe how common something is by comparing a smaller number to a larger number
• This condition affects one in five [=1 in 5; one out of every five] Americans.

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