2- chip in, sit back

Lesson 2- chip in, sit back

Hi everyone. Are you ready to learn two new phrasal verbs? I hope so because this is Lesson 2 of Jennifer’s Phrasal Verb Challenge. Let me ask you a question. Are you a team player or do you work better independently? Some people don’t have a preference, but others do.

I don’t mind working on a team as long as everyone chips in. I don’t like when strong people dominate or when lazy people sit back and expect others to do all the work. Do you feel the same way? “To chip in” means to contribute. In a group situation, everyone is expected to do their part.

It could be about work, but it could also be about other things, like money. For example, if the local school needs a new computer, all the families can chip in. They can all give a small amount of money, and then the school can make the purchase. Note you can chip in or you can chip in for something.

So “chip in” + a prepositional phrase with “for.” Chip in for a new computer. Chip in for a birthday present. You could also do “chip in” + an infinitive of purpose. Chip in in order to do something, for example, chip in to pay for a new computer. Chip in to pay for new sports equipment.

“To sit back” means to sit and relax. But it could also imply that you’re not getting involved in a situation. As your hostess, I might invite you to sit back and relax while I make dinner. But I would get very angry if we’re supposed to paint a room together, and all you did was sit back and watch me do all the work.

Again note the grammar. “Sit back” is intransitive. No object. Often we say, “Sit back and do something,” as in: sit back and relax, sit back and enjoy, sit back and wait. Try this practice task. Answer my earlier question about being a team player. When you work in a group, do you chip in and do your part?

How do you handle the situation if another member sits back and gets lazy? I look forward to reading your answers. That’s all for now.