Sit in for

phrasal verb

To take another person's place or do their job for them when they are unable to do it.

John is sick today, so I'm sitting in for him at the meeting.
Visual representation of "sit in for" - To take another person's place or do their job for them when they are unable to do it

Often appears as...

  • can you sit in for me?
  • he's sitting in for the manager
phrasal verb

To replace a musician temporarily.

The pianist was late, so a member of the audience sat in for her.
Visual representation of "sit in for" - To replace a musician temporarily

Often appears as...

  • she's sitting in for the drummer
  • he'll sit in for the bassist

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrasal verb

To take another person's place or do their job for them when they are unable to do it.

John is sick today, so I'm sitting in for him at the meeting.
Visual representation of "sit in for" - To take another person's place or do their job for them when they are unable to do it

Often appears as...

  • can you sit in for me?
  • he's sitting in for the manager
phrasal verb

To replace a musician temporarily.

The pianist was late, so a member of the audience sat in for her.
Visual representation of "sit in for" - To replace a musician temporarily

Often appears as...

  • she's sitting in for the drummer
  • he'll sit in for the bassist

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "sit in for"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Temporary Substitute

Indicates a short-term replacement for someone, not a permanent change.

Illustration for Temporary Substitute
Tom will sit in for me just for today's presentation.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Willingness to Help

Shows willingness to assist by taking over someone's responsibilities.

Illustration for Willingness to Help
I can sit in for you while you recover from your surgery.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Professional Context

Often used in work environments to describe covering for a colleague.

Illustration for Professional Context
During the audit, Janet will sit in for our regular accountant.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Temporary Substitute

Indicates a short-term replacement for someone, not a permanent change.

Illustration for Temporary Substitute
Tom will sit in for me just for today's presentation.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Willingness to Help

Shows willingness to assist by taking over someone's responsibilities.

Illustration for Willingness to Help
I can sit in for you while you recover from your surgery.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Professional Context

Often used in work environments to describe covering for a colleague.

Illustration for Professional Context
During the audit, Janet will sit in for our regular accountant.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Temporary Substitute

Indicates a short-term replacement for someone, not a permanent change.

Illustration for Temporary Substitute
Tom will sit in for me just for today's presentation.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Willingness to Help

Shows willingness to assist by taking over someone's responsibilities.

Illustration for Willingness to Help
I can sit in for you while you recover from your surgery.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Professional Context

Often used in work environments to describe covering for a colleague.

Illustration for Professional Context
During the audit, Janet will sit in for our regular accountant.
Visual representation of the word "Sit in for"

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