SIGN UP FOR

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'sign up for' means to register or enlist for something, such as an activity, job, or organization, indicating a commitment or intention to participate.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'sign up for' means to register or enlist for something, such as an activity, job, or organization, indicating a commitment or intention to participate.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
'Sign up for' is not separable because 'up for' functions as a unit.
Register
Neutral
'Sign up for' is used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
'Sign up for' requires a direct object, typically an event or activity.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple sign up for I will sign up for the cooking class.
Past Simple signed up for She signed up for the tennis tournament last week.
Present Continuous signing up for They are signing up for new membership.
Present Perfect have signed up for We have signed up for the marathon next month.

💡 When to Use

registering for an activity
Use 'sign up for' when you are enrolling in a class, event, or voluntary work to show commitment.
Example: "I signed up for a yoga retreat this summer."
enlisting in a program
Use this phrase when someone enrolls in a structured program, such as military service or education.
Example: "He signed up for the advanced coding bootcamp."
joining a club or group
Employ 'sign up for' when an individual decides to become a member of a club or organization.
Example: "Jessica signed up for the photography club at school."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

missing preposition
❌ Wrong: I signed the gym.
✅ Correct: I signed up for the gym.
💡 Tip: Always include 'up for' when indicating enlistment.
wrong tense usage
❌ Wrong: He signs up for last month.
✅ Correct: He signed up for last month.
💡 Tip: Ensure tense matches the time reference.
incorrect separable use
❌ Wrong: She signed the event up for.
✅ Correct: She signed up for the event.
💡 Tip: 'Sign up for' is not separable; keep together.
Practice

SIGN UP FOR - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

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

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

enroll in register for

Antonyms

withdraw from

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"I need to ___ up for the art workshop before the deadline."

join
sign up for
log
apply

"To sign up for a journey is to embrace uncertainty and challenge, revealing one's willingness to explore life's vast possibilities."

In Context

During World War II, young women in the United States signed up for a groundbreaking opportunity to contribute to the war effort. Known as the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), these courageous women stepped into roles traditionally reserved for men. Initially, there were doubts about their abilities, but the need for qualified pilots was urgent. In 1942, Jacqueline Cochran, a pioneering aviator, urged the government to allow women to sign up for piloting duties. With support, the program began, and women from all over the country signed up for training. Cochran herself led the program, proving women's piloting skills by logging thousands of flight hours. As the war intensifies, WASP pilots played crucial roles, delivering planes and towing targets for live anti-aircraft gun practice. Despite their contributions, recognition was slow, and the program was disbanded in 1944. Only decades later did the women receive the acknowledgment they deserved, with Congress finally awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal in 2009. This historical chapter highlighted the transformative power of signing up for opportunities and paved the way for further gender equality in the military.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Sign Up For

What is the origin of sign up for?

+
The expression 'sign up for' became popular in the 20th century with widespread institutional registration practices, including enlistment in military services and educational programs, particularly during wartime.

Can sign up for be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'sign up for' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It can be used in professional settings, such as enrolling in courses, as well as casual situations, like signing up for a club.

What is the difference between sign up for and enroll in?

+
While both 'sign up for' and 'enroll in' involve registering, 'sign up for' is more neutral and often used in casual settings, whereas 'enroll in' is slightly more formal and typically refers to educational contexts.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

register forenroll input down forjoin up withopt in to
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
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



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