sign on
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on
Meanings
Authenticate into a service
Why “on”? The connection starts. The machine, light, or device begins working.
“Sign on with your work credentials.”
“Sign on before you open the staff page.”
Don't confuse with
Sign on means authenticate into a service. Sign up means officially register for a course, service or membership.
Test yourself
“Sign on with your work credentials.” 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
act on
Same on pattern: power start
Take action because of advice or information
bring on
Same on pattern: power start
Cause something, especially an illness or feeling, to start; Help someone or something develop or improve
catch on
Same on pattern: power start
Become popular or fashionable; Begin to understand something
click on
Same on pattern: power start
Activate by clicking
come on
Same on pattern: power start
Used to encourage, hurry or challenge someone; Begin to develop, especially an illness or weather; Start working or be turned on; Make progress or improve; Try to start a romantic or sexual relationship with someone; Be broadcast on television or radio
dawn on
Same on pattern: power start
Suddenly become understood by someone
flip on
Same on pattern: power start
Activate by flipping a control
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “sign on”.
Practice “sign on” in Sink In
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