1 A2 neutral
To write your name in a register or book when arriving at a place.
"All visitors must sign in at the reception desk before going upstairs."
inseparable
sign in
A2 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To record your arrival or gain access by writing your name or entering login credentials.
In plain English
To write your name in a book or type your username and password to get access.
What does "sign in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To enter a username and password to access a digital account or system.
"Sign in with your email address to view your order history."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
To record someone else's arrival or grant them access on their behalf.
"I've already signed you in — they're expecting you in meeting room three."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To write (sign) your name into a record — transparent from the component words.
Actually means
To write your name in a book or type your username and password to get access.
Usage tip
Used in both physical contexts (signing a visitor's register) and digital contexts (logging into a website or app). Very common in everyday life. In digital contexts, interchangeable with 'log in'. Can be transitive ('Can you sign me in?').
Words that pair with "sign in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
website account visitor book register system hotel
How to conjugate "sign in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sign in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
signs in
he/she/it
Past simple
signed in
yesterday
Past participle
signed in
have + pp
-ing form
signing in
continuous
Hear "sign in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "sign in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.