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sign on

B1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To officially join something or start a job by writing your name on an agreement.

Literal meaning: To write your signature on an agreement — indicating you are starting or joining.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: 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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

dole unemployment job contract crew project

Forms

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

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