What are the definitions of “sign away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Give away legal or property rights.
He SIGNED AWAY his rights to compensation when he signed the contract.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sign away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sign away is to give up or relinquish legal or property rights, usually by signing a document or contract. This often involves giving up control or ownership of something.
What are the different verb forms of “sign away”?
| Root Verb | sign away |
| Third Person Singular Present | signs away |
| Present Participle | signing away |
| Simple Past | signed away |
| Past Participle | signed away |
Example
She decided to sign away her rights to the property.
Example
He signs away his rights to the company when he accepts the new job.
Example
They are signing away their rights to the inheritance.
Example
She signed away her rights to the royalties from her book.
Example
Their rights to the land were signed away in the agreement.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sign away”?
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
“sign away” 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
He signed away his rights to the property.
Example
She signed her rights away when she signed the contract.
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
“sign away” 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
He signed away his rights to the property.
Example
She signed her rights away when she signed the contract.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sign away”?
Good things to know
Does “sign away” have an informal or formal tone?
Sign away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in legal and business settings, as well as in everyday conversations.
