English Reference

Phrasal verb

enroll in

Definition

phrasal verb. to officially join a school, university, or course. You use this when you sign up for a program of study.

phrasal verb. to officially register as a member of an institution or a participant in a course. The verb is typically followed by the preposition 'in' in American English, whereas 'on' or 'at' may be preferred in other varieties.

Examples

“I want to enroll in a photography class.”

“Students must enroll in their chosen modules by the end of the first week of the semester.”

“Despite the rising tuition costs, a record number of international students chose to enroll in the university's prestigious engineering program this autumn.”

Examples

simple

“I want to enroll in a photography class.”

contextual

“Students must enroll in their chosen modules by the end of the first week of the semester.”

complex

“Despite the rising tuition costs, a record number of international students chose to enroll in the university's prestigious engineering program this autumn.”

Usage

Takes a direct object representing the institution or course; 'enroll' is the American spelling, while 'enrol' is British.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'sign up for' (more informal) and 'register for' (often used for shorter events or specific lists); note the spelling difference between US and UK English.

Pitfall

He enrolled to the biology course.

He enrolled in the biology course.

The verb 'enroll' collocates with 'in' or 'on', not 'to'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

in

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

enroll + in + object

Synonyms

sign up forregister forjoinmatriculate

Antonyms

drop out ofwithdraw fromleave

Grammar

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference