1 B1 neutral
To agree to take part in something or to begin working for someone.
"Three new developers signed on to help with the app launch."
inseparable
sign on
B1 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To agree to participate in something; to register for unemployment benefits; or to start work with an employer.
In plain English
To officially join something or start a job by writing your name on an agreement.
What does "sign on" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
(British English) To register to receive unemployment benefit from the government.
"After losing his job, he had to sign on at the local job centre."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To begin a broadcast transmission; the opposite of signing off.
"The radio station signed on at six o'clock every morning."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To write your signature on an agreement — indicating you are starting or joining.
Actually means
To officially join something or start a job by writing your name on an agreement.
Usage tip
In British English, 'sign on' specifically refers to registering to receive unemployment benefits at a job center. In general use, it means to begin working for someone or to commit to a project. In digital contexts it can mean to log in.
Words that pair with "sign on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
dole unemployment job contract crew project
How to conjugate "sign on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sign on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
signs on
he/she/it
Past simple
signed on
yesterday
Past participle
signed on
have + pp
-ing form
signing on
continuous
Hear "sign on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "sign on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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