What are the definitions of “sign out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

1Close a computer program that requires a name and password.
I SIGNED OUT and then shut the computer down.
2Sign something to show you have borrowed something.
Could you SIGN those books OUT, please?

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sign out”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sign out is to close a computer program or website that requires a name and password. It is often used when you want to end your session on a computer or online platform to ensure your account's security.

What are the different verb forms of “sign out”?

Root Verb	sign out
Third Person Singular Present	signs out
Present Participle	signing out
Simple Past	signed out
Past Participle	signed out

Example

Remember to sign out of your email account when using a public computer.

Example

She always signs out of her social media accounts before leaving the office.

Example

He is signing out of the online banking website after completing the transaction.

Example

Yesterday, they signed out of the shared document after finishing their work.

Example

The user had signed out of the system before the power outage occurred.

What kind of phrasal verb is “sign out”?

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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

“sign out” 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

Please sign out the books you borrowed from the library.

Example

She signed out of her email account before leaving the computer lab.

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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

“sign out” 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

Please sign out the books you borrowed from the library.

Example

She signed out of her email account before leaving the computer lab.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sign out”?

Sign out sheet

A document used to record when someone borrows or returns an item, such as equipment or keys.

Example

Please fill in the sign out sheet when you take the projector from the storage room.

Sign out of a device

To log out or disconnect from a device, such as a computer or smartphone.

Example

Before selling your old phone, make sure to sign out of all your accounts and delete your personal data.

Sign out of a platform

To log out or disconnect from an online platform, such as a social media website or email service.

Example

For security reasons, it's a good idea to sign out of your online accounts when using a public computer.

Good things to know

Does “sign out” have an informal or formal tone?

Sign out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in professional or academic contexts when discussing computer usage, online platforms, or borrowing items.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “sign out”?

Synonyms

disconnect
exit
borrow
log out
close session
check out

Antonyms

return
sign in
log in
connect
open session
check in