What are the definitions of “sign up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Give your name to do something.
I've SIGNED UP as a volunteer.
- 2Subscribe.
I SIGNED UP for their newsletter.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sign up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sign up is to register or enroll oneself for an activity, event, or service. It often involves providing personal information, such as your name, email address, or phone number. For example, you can sign up for a class, a newsletter, or a volunteer activity.
What are the different verb forms of “sign up”?
| Root Verb | sign up |
| Third Person Singular Present | signs up |
| Present Participle | signing up |
| Simple Past | signed up |
| Past Participle | signed up |
Example
I want to sign up for the yoga class.
Example
She signs up for the newsletter every month.
Example
He is signing up for the charity event.
Example
Yesterday, they signed up for the online course.
Example
She had signed up for the workshop last week.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sign up”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“sign up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I signed up for the cooking class.
Example
He signed up to volunteer at the animal shelter.
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 up” 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
I signed up for the cooking class.
Example
He signed up to volunteer at the animal shelter.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sign up”?
Good things to know
Does “sign up” have an informal or formal tone?
Sign up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business or academic environments.
