Chime in is normally intransitive, and in stays in the phrase. Use with for a contribution, on for a topic, and an infinitive for a purpose. A direct quotation can also follow the phrase.
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Use with to introduce the contribution: a comment, question, suggestion, or clarification.
"During the town hall, employees were encouraged to chime in with any questions regarding the merger."
Grammatically, chime in does not take a direct noun object. Say chime in with a question, not chime in a question.
You may also use a quotation: “I agree,” Maya chimed in.
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Use "Chime In" yourself
Naming the topic or purpose: chime in on / chime in to
Use on to identify the discussion topic. Use to plus a verb to explain the speaker's purpose.
"I'd like to chime in on the point Sarah just made."
"Chime in on the debate" and "chime in to support" both work for the same reason: "on" marks the topic you're addressing, "to" marks the purpose behind speaking.
Feel free to chime in is a common, fairly informal invitation. It encourages a brief, unplanned contribution. A direct invitation may work better when one person’s view is needed.
What doesn't collocate
Do not say "the consultant chimed in his expertise during the workshop." Add with, as in "chimed in with his expertise." In many professional contexts, chimed in with advice sounds more natural.
Also keep the particle in. Say we are waiting for the CFO to chime in, not "we are waiting for the CFO to chime to the discussion." For timing, use during rather than "chime in through the meeting"; during describes timing, not a complement to chime in.
Practice scenarios
Practice using chime in in situations like:
- inviting quieter colleagues into a discussion with "feel free to chime in"
- adding a brief supporting point to something a colleague just said
- responding to a direct question from leadership by chiming in with your view
Useful practice phrases:
- "Feel free to chime in with any questions."
- "I'd like to chime in on the point [colleague] just made."
- "[Name] chimed in with a quick suggestion before the meeting moved on."
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Use with for the contribution and on for the topic. You can also use a direct quote or no complement.