# key in

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/key-in
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to type information into a computer or device using a keyboard.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Key into the password." but "Key in the password." — 'into' is incorrect here; the particle 'in' directly precedes the object without prepositions.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.