key in
/kiː ɪn/
Meaning
To enter information, such as text, numbers, or a passcode, into a computer or other electronic device using a keyboard or keypad. It is a common phrasal verb used in both office environments and daily digital tasks.
Examples
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Please key in your four-digit PIN at the terminal to complete the transaction.
Please key in your four-digit PIN at the terminal to complete the transaction.
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She spent the whole morning keying in invoice data from the physical receipts.
She spent the whole morning keying in invoice data from the physical receipts.
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You have to key in the Wi-Fi password exactly as it is written on the router.
You have to key in the Wi-Fi password exactly as it is written on the router.
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I accidentally keyed in the wrong account number and the payment failed.
I accidentally keyed in the wrong account number and the payment failed.
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The system will lock you out if you key in the wrong passcode three times.
The system will lock you out if you key in the wrong passcode three times.
Common Mistakes
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✗ Key on your password to log in.
✓ Key in your password to log in.
The correct phrasal verb is 'key in' (or 'type in'), not 'key on'.
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✗ I need to key inside the database.
✓ I need to key the data into the database.
You key 'in' the information, or key the information 'into' a system. You do not 'key inside' a system.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Just ___ your employee ID number to clock in.
💡 A phrasal verb meaning to type or enter numbers/letters.
Show answer
key in
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It takes too long to ___ all these numbers manually.
💡 To input data using a keyboard or keypad.
Show answer
key in