Is "fax sb in" separable?

Yes, you can say "fax somebody in" or "fax in somebody."

Can I use "fax sb in" in informal conversations?

It is mostly used in formal or business contexts, not casual talk.

What is the difference between "fax sb in" and "check sb in"?

"Fax sb in" involves sending documents by fax, while "check sb in" means registering someone’s arrival.

Is faxing still common today?

Faxing is less common but still used in some industries for secure document transfer.

Fax sb in Meaning, Examples & How to Use This Phrasal Verb

Jun 4, 2025

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by

Michael Carter

in English Phrasal Verbs

What Does “Fax sb in” Mean?

“Fax sb in” means to send someone’s documents or information by fax so they can be allowed to enter or join a place or meeting.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “fax sb in” is used mainly in formal or business settings. It refers to the action of sending papers or important information about a person by fax to allow them to be admitted somewhere, such as a building, an office, or a meeting. The “sb” in “fax sb in” stands for “somebody,” meaning a person. Understanding the fax sb in meaning helps learners of English to use this phrase correctly when discussing communication or entry procedures. Although fax machines are less common today, the phrase is still useful in certain contexts, especially in industries where faxing remains a standard practice.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: fax somebody in (fax sb in)
Type: Transitive
Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
Short meaning: To send documents by fax to allow someone entry or participation

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Fax sb in” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object (“sb” or “somebody”) between the verb and the particle “in,” or after the particle.

Fax somebody in (correct)
Fax in somebody (also correct but less common)

Examples of structure:

We need to fax the visitor in before the meeting starts.
Please fax in the new employee’s details as soon as possible.

How to Use “Fax sb in”?

Use “fax sb in” when talking about sending someone’s documents or information by fax for the purpose of allowing them to enter a place or join an event. It is mostly used in workplaces or formal situations where faxing is necessary. The phrase is usually followed by the name or description of the person being faxed in.

For example, when a visitor arrives at a secure office, their security clearance may be faxed in to allow access.

Examples

Imagine a receptionist who needs to allow a visitor into a company. They might say:

“I need to fax the client in before they can enter the building.”
“Can you fax me in the new contractor’s documents?”
“The manager faxed in the consultant’s ID to security.”
“We faxed in the guest list to the front desk.”
“She faxed in her credentials to join the conference.”

Common Mistakes

People often confuse the order of words or the meaning of “fax sb in.” Here are some common errors:

Incorrect: Fax in the visitor. (Missing “sb” or object clarity)
Correct: Fax the visitor in.
Incorrect: Fax the visitor out. (Wrong particle)
Correct: Fax the visitor in.
Incorrect: Fax sb to. (Incorrect preposition)
Correct: Fax sb in.

Remember, “fax sb in” always involves sending documents to allow entry or participation, not sending someone away.

Differences / Synonyms

“Fax sb in” is similar to phrases like “check sb in” or “sign sb in,” but it specifically involves sending documents by fax. “Check sb in” means to register someone’s arrival, often in hotels or airports, without the faxing part.

Other similar phrasal verbs include:

Sign sb in: To record someone’s presence manually or electronically.
Check sb in: To officially register someone arriving at a place.
Fax sb out: Not commonly used; would mean sending documents to remove someone, which is incorrect.

The key difference is that “fax sb in” always involves faxing documents to allow entry or participation.

Common Collocations

When using “fax sb in,” certain objects often appear with it. These include:

Documents: Papers or files sent to allow entry.
ID or identification: Proof of identity faxed in for security.
Credentials: Certificates or qualifications sent for approval.
Visitor’s information: Details about guests faxed to reception.
Security clearance: Permission papers faxed to enter restricted areas.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of fax sb in:

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “fax sb in”:

Receptionist: The client is here, but I don’t have their clearance yet.

Manager: I’ll fax the client in right now. You can let them in once you get it.

Receptionist: Thanks! I’ll wait for the fax.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “fax sb in”:

I need to _______ the new employee _______ before the meeting starts.
Can you _______ me _______ the visitor’s documents?
The security team _______ the consultant _______ this morning.

FAQs

What does “fax sb in” mean? It means to send someone’s documents by fax to allow them entry or participation.
Is “fax sb in” separable? Yes, you can say “fax somebody in” or “fax in somebody.”
Can I use “fax sb in” in informal conversations? It is mostly used in formal or business contexts, not casual talk.
What is the difference between “fax sb in” and “check sb in”? “Fax sb in” involves sending documents by fax, while “check sb in” means registering someone’s arrival.
Is faxing still common today? Faxing is less common but still used in some industries for secure document transfer.