Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding 'Key In': Definition & Usage

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'key in' means to enter data or information into a computer or electronic device using a keyboard.

Examples in context

After logging in, you must key in your username and password.
They have keyed in all the payments into the accounting software.
He spent the entire afternoon keying in survey responses.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'key in' means to enter data or information into a computer or electronic device using a keyboard.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

You can separate the verb from its particle by inserting a noun or pronoun.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object, such as data or information to be input.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	key in	She needs to key in the data before the deadline.
Past Simple	keyed in	He keyed in the information last night.
Present Continuous	keying in	They are keying in the results now.
Present Perfect	have keyed in	We have keyed in all the necessary inputs.

💡 When to Use

Entering data in a database

Use 'key in' when you need to input data into a computer system, especially for official or systematic entry.

Example: "Please key in all client details into the system."

Updating a digital form

Use 'key in' for filling out or updating any digital form or document, stressing precision in entry.

Example: "She keyed in her updated address on the online form."

Initial setup of electronic devices

Employed when configuring a device by entering initial setup information, ensuring functional readiness.

Example: "You need to key in the Wi-Fi password to connect."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Omitting object

❌ Wrong: She keyed in quickly.

✅ Correct: She keyed in the data quickly.

💡 Tip: Always specify what you're keying in.

Wrong tense

❌ Wrong: He is key in the numbers.

✅ Correct: He is keying in the numbers.

💡 Tip: Use continuous tense for ongoing actions.

Misplacement of separable objects

❌ Wrong: Key in the form you.

✅ Correct: Key the form in you.

💡 Tip: Place pronouns between the verb and particle.

Practice

KEY IN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

After logging in, you must key in your username and password.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

They have keyed in all the payments into the accounting software.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

He spent the entire afternoon keying in survey responses.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

enter input

Antonyms

output

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Please ___ your identification number into the system."

key

key in

encode

store

"To key in the patterns of life is to unlock the codes of wisdom embedded in the everyday tumult of existence."

In Context

During the early 1940s, Alan Turing, the pioneering computer scientist, found himself entrenched in the heart of World War II, tasked with cracking the Enigma code used by Nazi Germany. As part of the legendary Bletchley Park team, Turing realized that every second spent keying in intercepted messages could bring the Allies closer to victory. It wasn't just about speed; the accuracy with which they keyed in these messages was crucial, as even the smallest error could distort their entire decoding effort. The team used a machine, later named the Bombe, which Turing had developed to decipher these complex codes. This required each operative to meticulously key in patterns and cycles identified within the encrypted messages. Despite the immense pressure and urgency, they remained exacting in their work. The fruits of their labor gradually became evident. With each keyword keyed in correctly and each message decoded, the Allies gained a clearer picture of enemy operations. By 1945, the relentless dedication of Turing and his team in keying in these communications culminated in the breaking of Enigma, significantly contributing to the Allied victory. Turing's work not only changed the course of the war but also paved the way for modern computing.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Key In

What is the origin of key in?

The phrase 'key in' originated within the context of early computing and typewriting in the mid-20th century, as keyboards became the primary input device for entering data into computers and electronic devices.

Can 'key in' be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'key in' is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It is widely understood in professional settings for data entry and is equally used conversationally when talking about entering information on personal devices.

What is the difference between 'key in' and 'enter'?

'Key in' specifically refers to using a keyboard to input data, while 'enter' is more general and can involve various input methods, including buttons or verbal commands, in addition to keyboards.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

KEY IN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Key In

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega