1 A2 neutral
To register for a service, activity, course, or event.
"I signed up for a yoga class that starts next Monday."
inseparable
sign up
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To register for or commit to something such as a course, service, event, or activity.
In plain English
To put your name on a list to join something or get something.
What does "sign up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To create an account on a website, app, or digital platform.
"Sign up for free and start streaming today."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
To recruit or persuade someone to join something.
"The coach signed up three new players before the season began."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To write your name up on a list — a reference to physical signup sheets.
Actually means
To put your name on a list to join something or get something.
Usage tip
Extremely common in everyday English and digital contexts (websites, apps, newsletters). Can be intransitive ('I signed up yesterday') or transitive ('She signed her son up for swimming lessons'). Often followed by 'for'. Works in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "sign up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
course newsletter gym trial event account
How to conjugate "sign up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sign up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
signs up
he/she/it
Past simple
signed up
yesterday
Past participle
signed up
have + pp
-ing form
signing up
continuous
Hear "sign up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "sign up" 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.