What Does “Key sb in” Mean?
“Key sb in” means to let someone enter a building or room by using a key or unlocking a door for them.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “key sb in” is commonly used when talking about allowing someone access to a place by unlocking a door or security system. It combines the verb “key,” which relates to using a key, with “sb,” a short form for “somebody,” and “in,” indicating entry. Understanding the key sb in meaning helps learners communicate clearly when describing actions involving entry or access control. This phrase is useful in everyday situations, such as at work, home, or public areas, where someone needs help getting inside.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: key somebody in
- Type: transitive
- Level: B1
- Short meaning: to let someone enter by unlocking a door or system
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Key sb in” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object (sb) between the verb and the particle “in,” or after it.
- key somebody in
- key in somebody
Example patterns:
- Someone keys you in.
- Someone keys you in the building.
How to Use “Key sb in”?
You use “key sb in” when describing the action of unlocking a door or security system to allow someone to enter. It often implies that the person being let in cannot enter without help or a key. This phrase applies to physical keys, electronic keycards, or digital access codes.
Examples
Imagine you arrive at the office early, and the door is locked. A colleague might key you in so you can enter.
- Can you key me in? I forgot my access card.
- She keyed the visitors in after checking their IDs.
- We always key in the new employees when they start.
- The security guard keyed me in after verifying my identity.
- He keyed in the guests to the building during the event.
Using “key sb in in a sentence” helps you describe situations where access is controlled and someone assists.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse “key sb in” with other phrasal verbs or use it incorrectly by omitting necessary parts.
- Incorrect: Can you key in me?
- Correct: Can you key me in?
- Incorrect: She keyed in the door.
- Correct: She keyed me in through the door.
Remember, the object is usually a person (sb), not a thing.
Differences / Synonyms
“Key sb in” is similar to “let sb in” or “let sb through,” but it specifically involves using a key or unlocking mechanism.
- Let sb in: More general, means to allow entry without specifying how.
- Key sb in: Emphasizes unlocking or using a key or system.
- Open the door for sb: Focuses on physically opening the door rather than unlocking.
Choosing the right phrase depends on whether you want to stress the unlocking action or just the act of allowing entry.
Common Collocations
When using “key sb in,” certain words often appear with it to describe the place or people involved.
- Key someone in the building: Let someone enter a building.
- Key someone in the office: Allow entry to an office space.
- Key someone in the system: Give access through electronic systems.
- Key someone in at the front door: Unlock the main entrance.
- Key someone in after hours: Let someone enter when the place is usually closed.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of key sb in:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation where “key sb in” is used naturally.
Anna: The door is locked. Can you key me in?
Ben: Sure, I have the key. Wait here for a second.
Anna: Thanks! I forgot my access card at home.
Ben: No problem. I’ll key you in the office now.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences by choosing the correct form:
- Can you ______ me in? I don’t have my key.
- She ______ the new employees in after their training.
- The security guard ______ the visitors in during the event.
Options: key, keyed, keys
FAQs
- What does “key sb in” mean? It means to let someone enter by unlocking a door or access system.
- Is “key sb in” formal or informal? It is neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
- Can I say “key in somebody” instead of “key somebody in”? Yes, both are correct because the phrasal verb is separable.
- Is “key sb in” used only for physical doors? No, it can also refer to electronic or digital access.
- What is a similar phrase to “key sb in”? “Let sb in” is a similar but more general phrase.
