Join in means to start taking part in something other people are already doing: a game, a conversation, a song. It often comes at the end of a sentence without an object: Come on, join in!
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join in (+ the game/conversation/fun); join in with + activity; join + person/group/club
- The kids were playing volleyball on the beach and asked me to join in.
- At first she was shy, but after a while she joined in the conversation.
- Everyone joined in with the chorus at the end of the concert.
What changed
First versionWhen the band started playing, even my grandfather joined to the dancing.
RevisionWhen the band started playing, even my grandfather joined in the dancing.
The idea of joining something can make to seem natural, but to isn't used after this verb. If a person starts taking part in an activity others are already doing, you need join in: joined in the dancing. So to is replaced with in.
Join without in means to become a member of a club or group, or to go somewhere with people: join a gym, join us for lunch. Join in means to take part in something that is already happening: join in the discussion. So join in a club and join in us are mistakes.
Your turn
I've just moved to Leeds and want to ___ a hiking club to meet new people.
Show the answer
join — A club is an organisation that you become a member of, so join. Join in comes before an activity, not a group: join in the game, but join a club.
Think of a party, lesson or meeting where you felt shy at first. Write what the others were doing and what helped you join in.
At my friend's wedding, everyone was dancing to old songs, and I only joined in when my aunt pulled me onto the dance floor.
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