Explaining Phrasal Verbs With "Sign"
Obviously, many of the phrasal verbs with "sign" create an image of writing one’s name on an important document. However, there are some major exceptions. How many of these do your students know?
Phrasal Verbs With “Sign”
Sign up
Simple explanation: officially agreeing to do or join something
If you'd like to join our class, you can sign up at the table by the entrance.
Sign up today and receive a 15% discount on your first order.
Sign off
Definition 1: to end a broadcast (of a TV program, podcast, etc.)
Before we sign off, we’d like to thank all of you for listening.
Joining the two words with a hyphen creates the noun “sign-off.”
The radio DJ always ends his shows with his unique sign-off: “See you later, alligators!”
Definition 2: to approve or authorize
Be sure to mention that this usage comes before the preposition “on.”
The director must sign off on this project before we can start working.
Sign over
Simple explanation: moving ownership from one person to another
We signed over our percentage of the company to new business partners.
There is also “sign away,” which has a similar meaning with a more negative nuance.
Think carefully before you sign away your control to those businessmen.
Sign for
Simple explanation: writing one's name on a document in order to receive a delivery
I can’t give you this package unless someone signs for it.
Sign in
Simple explanation: entering information in order to access a secure system or space
Please sign in with your username and password.
All guests need to sign in at the front desk.
The opposite, of course, is “sign out.”
The visitor list says he signed out at 4:03 p.m.
I forgot to sign out before I closed the program.
Bonus: Idioms With “Sign”
Sign of the times
Simple explanation: something that represents the trends or general mood of a particular point in time
Social media addiction is definitely a sign of the times.
“Sign me up!” / “Where do I sign up?”
Simple explanation: "I'm interested!" / "I want to do it."
There's going to be free food and drinks at the party? Sign me up!
Discussion Questions
- Have you signed up for a new service or subscription recently?
- Do you stay signed in to sites you use often, or do you sign in each time you visit?
- Have you ever signed anything away? If so, how do you feel about it now?
- (For advanced students) What do you consider to be a sign of the times we're living in now?
Wrap-up
Although phrasal verbs with "sign" often involve writing, they can also be used in unexpected ways.
Students may understandably get confused if you introduce too many of these verbs at once, so try explaining only one or two at at time; once they can use them comfortably, present more in future lessons.
Also, don't forget our similar posts on "look" and "tell," which are also full of vital expressions for English fluency.
