A1verb1K

Join

UK /["/dʒɔɪn/","/dʒɔɪnz/","/dʒɔɪnd/","/ˈdʒɔɪnɪŋ/"]/US /["/dʒɔɪn/","/dʒɔɪnz/","/dʒɔɪnd/","/ˈdʒɔɪnɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to fix or connect two or more things together

In simple words: to come together with others

Examples

  • I decided to join a yoga class to improve my flexibility.
  • If you want to make new friends, you should join a club.
  • We can join the two pieces of wood together using glue.
  • He wants to join the team next season.
  • Can you help me join these two circuits?
  • They plan to join us for dinner tonight.
  • She hopes to join the competition next year.

Usage notes

Use 'join' when indicating participation in an activity or becoming part of a group. It's neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it in overly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

join + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'joy in' — think of joining a fun group that brings you joy.

Collocations

  • formally
  • officially
  • voluntarily
  • want to
  • wish to
  • flock to
  • an invitation to join something
  • together
  • eagerly
  • gladly
  • wish to
  • invite somebody to
  • be allowed to
  • for
  • in
  • with
  • come and join somebody
  • an invitation to join somebody/​something

Synonyms

  • connect
  • unite
  • affiliate
  • engage
  • participate

Antonyms

  • leave
  • split
  • detach

Common mistakes

  • 'Join' is often confused with 'meet' — they have different meanings.
  • Learners forget to use 'join' with an object, saying 'I join' instead of 'I join the club.'
  • Mixing up 'join' with 'attend' — attending can imply being present without being an active participant.