sign in

/saɪn ɪn/

Meaning

To enter your username and password to gain access to a computer system, website, or online portal. In a physical academic setting, it can also refer to writing your name on an attendance sheet to record your presence at a class, lecture, or exam.

Examples

  • Please sign in to the student portal to check your final grades.

    Please sign in to the student portal to check your final grades.

  • You need to sign in at the front desk before entering the university laboratory.

    You need to sign in at the front desk before entering the university laboratory.

  • I couldn't sign in to the library database because I forgot my new password.

    I couldn't sign in to the library database because I forgot my new password.

  • Make sure everyone signs in before the seminar begins so we can track attendance.

    Make sure everyone signs in before the seminar begins so we can track attendance.

  • If you are using a public computer, don't forget to sign in using a private window.

    If you are using a public computer, don't forget to sign in using a private window.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ I need to sign in the website.

    ✓ I need to sign in to the website.

    The phrasal verb 'sign in' requires the preposition 'to' when followed by the specific website, platform, or system you are accessing.

  • ✗ Please write your name to sign in.

    ✓ Please sign in.

    Saying 'write your name to sign in' is redundant because the action of 'signing in' on a physical sheet already implies writing your name.

Related Expressions

Practice

  • Students must ___ to the online learning platform to access the homework.

    💡 Enter your details to access a system.

    Show answer

    sign in

  • Don't forget to ___ on the attendance sheet at the front of the lecture hall.

    💡 Write your name to show you are present.

    Show answer

    sign in