What are the definitions of “sign for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Write a signature on behalf on someone.
My boss was out for the day, so I SIGNED her letters FOR her.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sign for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sign for is to write a signature on behalf of someone else. This usually happens when the person who is supposed to sign is not available, and someone else is authorized to sign in their place.
What are the different verb forms of “sign for”?
| Root Verb | sign for |
| Third Person Singular Present | signs for |
| Present Participle | signing for |
| Simple Past | signed for |
| Past Participle | signed for |
Example
I will sign for the package when it arrives.
Example
She signs for her boss's letters when he is out of the office.
Example
He is signing for the delivery while his roommate is away.
Example
Yesterday, I signed for the registered mail on behalf of my neighbor.
Example
The documents have been signed for and sent back to the sender.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sign for”?
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 for” 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
She signed for the package.
Example
He signed the documents for his boss.
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 for” 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
She signed for the package.
Example
He signed the documents for his boss.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sign for”?
Sign for a package
To write your signature when receiving a package or mail that requires confirmation of receipt.
Example
The delivery person asked me to sign for the package before handing it over.
Sign for a team
In sports, to agree to play for a specific team, usually by signing a contract.
Example
The talented soccer player signed for the famous club last week.
Sign for a loan
To agree to the terms and conditions of a loan by signing a contract.
Example
After reviewing the terms, they decided to sign for the mortgage.
Good things to know
Does “sign for” have an informal or formal tone?
Sign for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in legal or business documents.
