Phrasal verb
sign in
Definition
phrasal verb. to write your name on a list or enter your details into a computer to show you have arrived or started using a service.
phrasal verb. to record one's arrival at a location or to gain access to a computer system by providing credentials. The verb is often intransitive but can be transitive and separable when recording someone else's arrival.
Examples
“You sign in at the front desk when you arrive.”
“Before you can access your emails, you need to sign in with your username and password.”
“Security protocols mandate that all visitors sign in at the reception desk to ensure an accurate headcount in the event of an emergency evacuation.”
Examples
simple
“You sign in at the front desk when you arrive.”
contextual
“Before you can access your emails, you need to sign in with your username and password.”
complex
“Security protocols mandate that all visitors sign in at the reception desk to ensure an accurate headcount in the event of an emergency evacuation.”
Usage
Use 'at' for physical locations and 'to' for websites or digital accounts.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'check in', which is specific to hotels and airports, whereas 'sign in' is used for offices and websites.
Pitfall
I signed in the website.
I signed in to the website.
The phrasal verb requires the preposition 'to' before a digital destination.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
optional
Pattern
sign + in
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/sign-in