1 C1 neutral
To record the time you start work or a timed activity.
"All factory workers are required to time in before entering the production floor."
inseparable
time in
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To record the time at which something starts, particularly the start of a work shift.
In plain English
To write down or record what time you arrived at work.
What does "time in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
In sports timing, to register a participant's starting time.
"The official timed each swimmer in as they entered the pool."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To mark a time at which you enter or begin.
Actually means
To write down or record what time you arrived at work.
Usage tip
Less common than 'clock in'. Found in some workplace contexts, particularly in American English. Also used in sports timing contexts to log the start of a session.
Words that pair with "time in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
shift arrival workers employees session hours
How to conjugate "time in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
time in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
times in
he/she/it
Past simple
timed in
yesterday
Past participle
timed in
have + pp
-ing form
timing in
continuous
Hear "time in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "time in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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