What does the phrasal verb “punch in” mean?

What are the definitions of “punch in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To enter a code or password into a device or system.

  At the end of the corridor was another door, and Vince had me punch in the code myself.

• 2. To enter a code or number into a machine by pressing the appropriate buttons or keys.

  If you punch in the wrong code, the alarm sounds.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “punch in”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb punch in is to enter a code, password, or number into a device or system by pressing buttons or keys. For example, it can mean entering a code to unlock a door or inputting a password on a computer.

What are the different verb forms of “punch in”?

Root Verb	punch in
Third Person Singular Present	punches in
Present Participle	punching in
Simple Past	punched in
Past Participle	punched in

Example

Every morning, I punch in my password to access my computer.

Example

She punches in the code to open the door.

Example

He is punching in his PIN number at the ATM.

Example

Yesterday, they punched in the wrong code and set off the alarm.

Example

The correct code was punched in, and the door opened.

What kind of phrasal verb is “punch in”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“punch in” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She punched in the code to open the door.

Example

He punched in his PIN number at the ATM.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“punch in” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She punched in the code to open the door.

Example

He punched in his PIN number at the ATM.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “punch in”?

Punch in a time clock

To record the time of arrival or departure from work by inserting a time card into a machine.

Example

Employees must punch in when they arrive at work and punch out when they leave.

Punch in a phone number

To dial a phone number by pressing the buttons on a phone.

Example

I punched in the phone number and waited for someone to answer.

Punch in a code

To enter a code or password into a device or system.

Example

To access the building, you need to punch in the security code.

Good things to know

Does “punch in” have an informal or formal tone?

Punch in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in a workplace or when discussing security systems.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “punch in”?

Synonyms

• enter
• input
• type
• insert
• dial
• press
• key in

Antonyms

• delete
• remove
• cancel
• clear
• undo
• erase