What Does “Sign sb off” Mean?
“Sign sb off” means to officially approve or confirm that someone has completed a task, or to give permission for someone to stop working, often for health reasons.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “sign sb off” is commonly used in workplaces and healthcare settings. It refers to the act of officially approving that a person has finished their work or is allowed to take time off, especially due to illness. Understanding the “sign sb off meaning” helps learners use it correctly in different contexts. This phrase is useful when talking about managers approving tasks or doctors giving medical leave.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: sign somebody off
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to officially approve or give permission for someone to stop work
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Sign sb off” is a transitive and separable phrasal verb. You can place the object (sb) between “sign” and “off” or after the entire phrasal verb.
- sign somebody off
- sign off somebody
Example patterns:
- Sign the employee off for sick leave.
- The manager signed him off after the project was done.
How to Use Sign sb off?
Use “sign sb off” when someone in authority approves or confirms that a person can stop working or has completed a task. It often relates to medical leave or final approval in professional settings. It is commonly used with people (sb), not objects.
Examples
In a hospital, a doctor may sign a patient off work to recover fully. At work, a supervisor might sign an employee off after finishing their assignment.
- The doctor signed her off for two weeks after surgery.
- My boss signed me off once I completed the report.
- They signed him off sick because he had the flu.
- After the inspection, the inspector signed the technician off.
- Can you sign me off for the day? I’m feeling unwell.
These examples show how to use “sign sb off in a sentence” naturally.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse “sign sb off” with “sign off” (without an object). Remember, “sign sb off” requires a person as the object.
- Incorrect: The manager signed off the report. (This means something different.)
- Correct: The manager signed me off after my work was done.
- Incorrect: She signed off sick. (Missing object, should be “signed herself off” or “was signed off.”)
- Correct: The doctor signed her off sick.
Differences / Synonyms
Unlike “sign off,” which means to finish or approve something generally (without a direct object), “sign sb off” always involves a person. Similar phrases include “authorize leave” or “approve time off,” but these are more formal.
For example:
- “Sign off” = finish or approve a document or broadcast.
- “Sign sb off” = approve a person’s absence or completion.
Common Collocations
People often use “sign sb off” with terms related to work and health. Here are common objects used:
- Signed off sick: approved time off for illness
- Signed off work: allowed to stop working
- Signed off project: approved completion of a task (less common)
- Signed off leave: approved vacation or time away
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of sign sb off:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “sign sb off”:
Employee: I’ve been feeling unwell for a few days.
Doctor: I will sign you off for a week so you can rest.
Employee: Thank you, I’ll inform my manager.
Practice
Try to complete the sentence with the correct form of “sign sb off”:
- The doctor __________ me __________ after my surgery.
- My supervisor __________ me __________ for completing the training.
- She was feeling sick, so the nurse __________ her __________ for two days.
FAQ
- Q: What does “sign sb off” mean?
A: It means to officially approve that someone can stop working or take leave.
- Q: Is “sign sb off” separable?
A: Yes, you can place the person between “sign” and “off” or after the phrasal verb.
- Q: Can “sign sb off” be used for documents?
A: No, it is used for people, not objects.
- Q: What is the difference between “sign off” and “sign sb off”?
“Sign off” means to finish or approve something; “sign sb off” means to approve a person’s leave or completion.
- Q: Can a manager sign an employee off sick?
Usually, only a doctor can sign someone off sick, but a manager can approve leave.
