send in
send something to a person or organisation by post or email
What does "send sth in" mean?
Examples
- Please send in your application before the deadline.
- I filled out the form and sent it in yesterday.
- Have you sent in your entry for the photo competition yet?
How to use it
The most common pattern, used when submitting a document, form, or piece of content to an organisation.
She sent in her CV as soon as she saw the job advert.
With short noun phrases, separation is very natural and often preferred in everyday speech.
I've already filled out the form — I just need to send it in.
Pronouns must always go between the verb and 'in' — they cannot follow 'in'.
Did you get the complaint form? Make sure you send it in before the deadline.
The passive is natural in formal or instructional contexts, especially when stating a deadline.
All entries must be sent in by midnight on Sunday.
The imperative form is very common, especially when inviting people to respond or participate.
Send in your questions and we'll answer them on next week's show.
Common Collocations
Common Mistakes
When using a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'send' and 'in', not after 'in'.
'Hand in' means giving something directly to someone in person, such as a teacher or manager. 'Send in' means submitting remotely — by post, email, or online. Use 'send in' when there is no face-to-face contact involved.
When the object is a long noun phrase, it sounds more natural to keep it together after 'in' rather than placing it between 'send' and 'in'.
Usage
This phrasal verb is neutral and works in most everyday situations instead of 'submit'. It is especially common in British English on TV and radio when hosts invite the audience to share something.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'send in' always mean submitting a document or form?
No — 'send in' has another meaning where it means to dispatch people, such as a repair team or specialists, to a location. However, this page covers only the submission sense, where the object is always a document, form, piece of work, or content like photos or questions. Context makes it easy to tell the two meanings apart.
Is 'send in' less formal than 'submit'? Can I use it in professional situations?
'Send in' is slightly less formal than 'submit', but it is neutral enough for most professional contexts, including job applications and official requests. If you are writing a very formal legal or academic document, 'submit' might be the safer choice, but in everyday professional communication 'send in' is perfectly acceptable.
Can I use 'send in' in the passive?
Yes, the passive is very natural with 'send in', especially in instructions or when talking about deadlines. For example: 'All applications must be sent in by the end of the month.' You will often see this in competition rules, job adverts, and official announcements.
Is 'send in' more common in British English?
It is used in both British and American English, but it is particularly common in British broadcast media, where TV and radio presenters regularly invite audiences to 'send in' their photos, stories, or questions. It is a natural, everyday expression in both varieties.
What kinds of things can you 'send in'?
You can send in almost any type of document or content: an application, a CV, a form, an entry, a complaint, a question, a story, a photo, feedback, or a suggestion. The common idea is that you are submitting something to an organisation or person for a particular purpose.
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