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frame in

B2 neutral separable transitive

To enclose or surround something with a frame or structural border; or to include something within the boundaries of a discussion or plan.

In plain English

Put a frame or border around something to enclose it.

What does "frame in" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B2 neutral

To enclose an area with structural framing, especially in construction.

"The carpenters spent the afternoon framing in the new doorway."

separable
2 B2 neutral

To include or incorporate something within the boundaries of an argument, plan, or discussion.

"The report frames the problem in terms of economic inequality."

separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To put a frame inward around something — to enclose it.

Actually means

Put a frame or border around something to enclose it.

Usage tip

Used in construction (framing in a doorway or wall), photography, and figuratively in planning or argument contexts. Less common than 'frame up' for the construction sense.

Words that pair with "frame in"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

doorway window wall structure space discussion

How to conjugate "frame in"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
frame in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
frames in
he/she/it
Past simple
framed in
yesterday
Past participle
framed in
have + pp
-ing form
framing in
continuous

Hear "frame in" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "frame in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.