Phrasal verb
key in
Definition
phrasal verb. to type information into a computer or device using a keyboard.
phrasal verb. to enter data or text into an electronic system via a keyboard; transitive phrasal verb with the object following the particle directly.
Examples
“Please key in your password to access the account.”
“The customer service agent asked the user to key in their order number for verification.”
“As the deadline approached, the programmer worked tirelessly to key in the final lines of code before the system went live.”
Examples
simple
“Please key in your password to access the account.”
contextual
“The customer service agent asked the user to key in their order number for verification.”
complex
“As the deadline approached, the programmer worked tirelessly to key in the final lines of code before the system went live.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “key in” in context.
Verb
01. carefully key in the password
“Please carefully key in the password to access your account.”
adv + verb + noun
02. key in the code
“You need to key in the code to open the security door.”
verb + noun
03. key in the data manually
“We had to key in the data manually because the scanner was broken.”
verb + noun + adv
04. key in your details
“The receptionist asked me to key in my details on the tablet.”
verb + possessive + noun
Usage
takes a direct object — the information being entered into the device.
Teaching tip
compare with 'type in' (near-synonym) but note 'key in' specifically implies keyboard input, while 'type' can sometimes mean handwriting.
Pitfall
Key into the password.
Key in the password.
'into' is incorrect here; the particle 'in' directly precedes the object without prepositions.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
key + in + object
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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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