1 B1 neutral
To supply material, data, or resources directly into a system or process.
"The local water treatment plant feeds into the city's main supply network."
inseparable
feed into
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To provide input or material to a larger system, process, or organisation, or to influence and contribute to something.
In plain English
To become part of something bigger, or to help something grow or develop.
What does "feed into" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To contribute to and influence an abstract process, idea, or situation.
"Negative media coverage feeds into public distrust of the government."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
Of a smaller road, channel, or route: to join or connect with a larger one.
"Several smaller streams feed into the River Severn."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To feed (supply) material into a larger container or system — like feeding grain into a mill.
Actually means
To become part of something bigger, or to help something grow or develop.
Usage tip
Common in academic, business, and technical writing. Used for both physical systems (pipes, machines) and abstract ones (policies, debates, stereotypes). Often used to describe how one thing becomes part of a larger process.
Words that pair with "feed into"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
system process debate narrative policy pipeline
How to conjugate "feed into"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
feed into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
feeds into
he/she/it
Past simple
feeded into
yesterday
Past participle
feeded into
have + pp
-ing form
feeding into
continuous
Hear "feed into" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "feed into" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "feed into"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
contribute to flow into fuel inform input into supply
Keep exploring
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