Is "key sth into sth" formal or informal?

It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Can I say "key into the computer the data"?

Yes, but the usual word order is "key the data into the computer."

What devices can I "key sth into"?

Computers, calculators, phones, and similar devices.

Is "key sth into sth" the same as "type in"?

They are similar, but "key sth into sth" emphasizes pressing keys to enter data.

Key sth into sth Meaning, Examples & How to Use in English

What Does “Key sth into sth” Mean?

“Key sth into sth” means to enter information or data by typing it into a device such as a computer or a keypad.

Introduction

The phrase “key sth into sth” is commonly used when talking about typing or inputting data into electronic devices. The “sth” stands for “something,” which refers to the information you want to enter. For example, you might key a password into a computer or key numbers into a calculator. Understanding the key sth into sth meaning helps learners describe actions related to technology and data entry clearly. This phrase is widely used in offices, schools, and everyday technology use, making it a practical and useful expression for English learners.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: key something into something
Type: transitive
Level: B1 (Intermediate)
Short meaning: to enter data by typing it into a device

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Key sth into sth” is a separable transitive phrasal verb. This means you can separate the object (something) from the verb.

Correct pattern: key + something + into + something
Example: key the code into the system
You can also say: key into the system the code

How to Use “Key sth into sth”?

Use this phrase when describing the action of typing or entering data into electronic devices, such as computers, phones, or calculators. It is often used in formal and informal contexts related to technology or data management.

For example, you might say, “Please key your details into the online form” or “The clerk keyed the numbers into the calculator.”

Examples

Here are some natural sentences using “key sth into sth”:

She keyed the new password into her laptop to log in.
The receptionist keyed the client’s information into the database quickly.
Before submitting the report, he keyed all the figures into the spreadsheet.
Can you key the appointment details into my calendar for tomorrow?

These examples show how “key sth into sth” in a sentence describes data input actions.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes learners confuse the word order or prepositions when using this phrase. Here are some incorrect vs correct examples:

Incorrect: I keyed into the computer my password.
Correct: I keyed my password into the computer.
Incorrect: She keyed the data on the computer.
Correct: She keyed the data into the computer.

Remember, the preposition “into” is necessary to show data entry direction.

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrases include “enter data,” “type in,” and “input.” However, “key sth into sth” specifically emphasizes manual typing or pressing keys.

Enter data: more general, can be manual or automatic
Type in: similar, often used for typing text
Input: formal, can be via typing or other methods

For example, “key the code into the system” suggests pressing keys, while “input the code” could mean any method of data entry.

Common Collocations

Here are common objects used with “key sth into sth”:

Key a password into a device: entering a secret code
Key data into a computer: entering information
Key numbers into a calculator: typing digits
Key information into a form: filling out details
Key commands into a system: entering instructions

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of key sth into sth:

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “key sth into sth”:

Anna: Can you key the client’s order into the system?

Ben: Sure, I’ll key it into the database right now.

Anna: Thanks! Make sure to double-check the numbers.

Practice

Try to complete the sentences below by filling in the blanks with the correct form of “key sth into sth”.

I _______ the address _______ the GPS before starting the trip.
She _______ her login details _______ the website to access her account.
We need to _______ the survey results _______ the spreadsheet.

FAQs

What does “key sth into sth” mean? It means to enter data by typing it into a device.
Is “key sth into sth” formal or informal? It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Can I say “key into the computer the data”? Yes, but the usual word order is “key the data into the computer.”
What devices can I “key sth into”? Computers, calculators, phones, and similar devices.
Is “key sth into sth” the same as “type in”? They are similar, but “key sth into sth” emphasizes pressing keys to enter data.