SIGN IN

"To truly sign in to life's journey, one must be present in each moment, open to learning and growth, and embrace change."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'sign in' means to register or check in at a location, typically by adding one's name to a list or log.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'sign in' means to register or check in at a location, typically by adding one's name to a list or log.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
Cannot be separated by any other word.
Register
Neutral
Used in both casual and formal situations.
Transitive
No
Does not require a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple sign in Visitors must sign in at the reception.
Past Simple signed in He signed in before entering the conference room.
Present Continuous signing in She is signing in at the front desk now.
Present Perfect have signed in They have signed in to the online portal already.

💡 When to Use

Entering a building
Use 'sign in' when you need to register upon entering a building, such as an office or school.
Example: "All guests must sign in at the entrance."
Accessing online accounts
It's used when logging into an online platform or service by entering credentials.
Example: "I need to sign in to my email to check those messages."
Event registration
Use it when attending an event where registration or checking in is required.
Example: "Please sign in upon arrival at the seminar."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect verb form
❌ Wrong: I sign on every morning.
✅ Correct: I sign in every morning.
💡 Tip: Remember 'sign in' for entering or registering.
Unnecessary separation
❌ Wrong: Please sign the visitors in book.
✅ Correct: Please sign in the visitors book.
💡 Tip: Keep 'sign in' together for coherence.
Confusing with similar verbs
❌ Wrong: You need to sign up to print.
✅ Correct: You need to sign in to print.
💡 Tip: Use 'sign in' for accessing existing accounts.
Practice

SIGN IN - 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

  • 1
    Listen to example

    He always forgets to sign in when he arrives at the office.

    Digital Nomads
  • 2
    Listen to example

    Please make sure to sign in before accessing your account.

    Digital Nomads
  • 3
    Listen to example

    During the event, participants should sign in at the registration desk.

    Digital Nomads

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

log in check in

Antonyms

sign out

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Before entering the facility, you must ___ at the front desk."

sign off
sign in
sign up
sign over

In Context

In 1865, Clara Barton, an American nurse and founder of the American Red Cross, embarked on a mission to assist those affected by the Civil War. As soldiers returned and communities began to rebuild, Barton recognized the need for systematic record-keeping to help families find their missing loved ones. She established the Office of Missing Soldiers. Her office, housed in Washington D.C., required individuals to sign in to search through the records of the missing. The task was monumental, involving thousands of names. Barton worked tirelessly, ensuring every person who signed in had access to the growing database of missing soldiers. Over the years, she expanded her efforts, organizing events where people would gather to sign in, hoping for news. The office successfully identified the fate of over 22,000 missing men. By providing a space where inquiries were met with compassion and diligence, Barton's system of requiring people to sign in became an essential service in post-war America. This work not only helped reunite families but also highlighted the importance of organized support systems in times of crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sign In

What is the origin of sign in?

+
'Sign in' originates from the mid-20th century, evolving with the need for organized check-in processes, especially with increased bureaucracy and technology usage.

Can sign in be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Sign in' is versatile, suitable for both formal contexts, like business or registrations, and informal settings, such as personal online accounts.

What is the difference between sign in and log in?

+
While both mean accessing a service, 'sign in' is general for entering a premises, whereas 'log in' specifically refers to accessing computer systems.
Browse All Digital Nomads Phrasal Verbs
Digital Nomads 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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