sign in
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle in
Meanings
Record arrival by signing
Why “in”? A person, vehicle, message, or result reaches a place or becomes present there.
“Visitors must sign in at reception.”
“All guests signed in at the desk.”
“Maya signed in at the seaside hotel desk while Leo waited with the bags.”
Common mistake
I can't sign up to my account.
I can't sign in to my account.
Sign in = log in to an account you already have; sign up = create a new one.
Natural collocations
The word partners “sign in” most often appears with — learn the phrase, not just the verb.
Don't confuse with
Sign in means record arrival by signing. Sign up means officially register for a course, service or membership.
Test yourself
“Visitors must sign in at reception.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
sign up
A contrast learners often mix up
Officially register for a course, service or membership
ask in
Same in pattern: arrival
Invite someone to enter your home
barge in
Same in pattern: arrival
Enter a place rudely without permission
break in
Same in pattern: arrival
Enter a building illegally by force; Interrupt a conversation and begin speaking
bring in
Same in pattern: arrival
Introduce someone or something into a discussion or organisation; Earn money for a person or business; Introduce a new law, system or rule; Deliver a verdict in a court
burst in
Same in pattern: arrival
Enter a place suddenly and forcefully
call in
Same in pattern: arrival
Visit a place briefly, often on the way somewhere; Phone a workplace or radio station; Ask experts or professionals to come and help; Demand the return of money lent
cash in
Same in pattern: arrival
Take advantage of a situation for profit
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “sign in”.
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