join and join in

[jiang]

Dear teachers,
I think 'join ' and 'join in ' confusing. The following is from my dictionary:

1.join in (sth): to become involved in an activity with other people
Examples:
She watches the other kids playing but she never joins in.
You all seemed to be having such a good time that I thought I'd join in the fun.

2. join: to get involved in an activity or journey with another person or group:
Examples:
I don't have time for a drink now, but I'll join you later.
Why don't you ask your sister if she would like to join us for supper?

Does this mean 'join in ' and 'join' are interchangeable in this sense? For example, can I replace 'join ' in the 'I don't have time for a drink now, but I'll join you later.' with 'join in'?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.

Jiang

[Naamplao]

Originally Posted by jiang

Dear teachers,
I think 'join ' and 'join in ' confusing. The following is from my dictionary:

1.join in (sth): to become involved in an activity with other people
Examples:
She watches the other kids playing but she never joins in.
You all seemed to be having such a good time that I thought I'd join in the fun.

2. join: to get involved in an activity or journey with another person or group:
Examples:
I don't have time for a drink now, but I'll join you later.
Why don't you ask your sister if she would like to join us for supper?

Does this mean 'join in ' and 'join' are interchangeable in this sense? For example, can I replace 'join ' in the 'I don't have time for a drink now, but I'll join you later.' with 'join in'?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.

Jiang

You "join in" a group activity as it happens
you "join" a person or small group

[BobK]

Originally Posted by Naamplao

You "join in" a group activity as it happens
you "join" a person or small group

So, if the group is engaged in an activity when you join it [the group] you simultaneously join in the activity. But that doesn't make the two interchangeable, jiang.



b

[jiang]

Dear Naamplao,
Thank you very much for your explanation. I understand the first explanation. I guess it means you work or play with others. The second is difficult to understand. I can join a club. How can I join a person. Does it mean the person is doing something I might watch him or her?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.
Jiang

Originally Posted by Naamplao

You "join in" a group activity as it happens
you "join" a person or small group

[jiang]

Dear Bob,

Thank you very much for your explanation. Do you mean 'join' can only be followed by 'group or person' while 'join in ' can be followed by 'activity'?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.

Jiang

Originally Posted by BobK

So, if the group is engaged in an activity when you join it [the group] you simultaneously join in the activity. But that doesn't make the two interchangeable, jiang.



b

[Naamplao]

Originally Posted by jiang

Dear Naamplao,
Thank you very much for your explanation. I understand the first explanation. I guess it means you work or play with others. The second is difficult to understand. I can join a club. How can I join a person. Does it mean the person is doing something I might watch him or her?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.
Jiang

Join has several meanings. I think that is what is confusing you.

For example, you can join two pieces of wood by gluing them together.
but you can also in this way

Join a club or formal group of people- means become a member of the club or formal group.

I decided to join my local church group.

Join a person or informal group of people - means to meet with the person or informal group.

A group of us are going to dinner. Why don't you join us!!??

Join followed by "in" - means to participate in an activity

They were having so much fun playing beach volleyball, I asked if I could join in.

[BobK]

Originally Posted by jiang

Dear Bob,

Thank you very much for your explanation. Do you mean 'join' can only be followed by 'group or person' while 'join in ' can be followed by 'activity'?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.

Jiang

When Naamplao wrote 'you "join" a person or small group' he/she didn't mean you can use only those two words; it could be a team/association/political party... or anything like that. "I joined the Automobile Association [The AA: Car Insurance, Breakdown Cover, Loans, Motoring Advice, Travel and Maps ] because I wanted to be sure of getting to my destination when my car breaks down."

Similarly, 'activity' is just a general term; the activity could be a game - or anything that involves a joint effort. "I joined an evening class in motorcar maintenance because when my husband is working on the car I want to be able to join in."

Any clearer?



b

[Naamplao]

Originally Posted by BobK

When Naamplao wrote 'you "join" a person or small group' he/she didn't mean you can use only those two words; it could be a team/association/political party... or anything like that.

b

I think I covered that in my last post

Join a club or formal group of people- means become a member of the club or formal group.

I decided to join my local church group.

[jiang]

Dear Naamplao,

Thank you very much for your explanation. Now I see.

Jiang

Originally Posted by Naamplao

Join has several meanings. I think that is what is confusing you.

For example, you can join two pieces of wood by gluing them together.
but you can also in this way

Join a club or formal group of people- means become a member of the club or formal group.

I decided to join my local church group.

Join a person or informal group of people - means to meet with the person or informal group.

A group of us are going to dinner. Why don't you join us!!??

Join followed by "in" - means to participate in an activity

They were having so much fun playing beach volleyball, I asked if I could join in.

[jiang]

Dear BobK,
Thank you very much for your explanation. Now I see.

Jiang

Originally Posted by BobK

When Naamplao wrote 'you "join" a person or small group' he/she didn't mean you can use only those two words; it could be a team/association/political party... or anything like that. "I joined the Automobile Association [The AA: Car Insurance, Breakdown Cover, Loans, Motoring Advice, Travel and Maps ] because I wanted to be sure of getting to my destination when my car breaks down."

Similarly, 'activity' is just a general term; the activity could be a game - or anything that involves a joint effort. "I joined an evening class in motorcar maintenance because when my husband is working on the car I want to be able to join in."

Any clearer?



b