What Does “Sign sb out” Mean?
“Sign sb out” means to officially record that someone has left a place or system, often by writing their name or clicking a button.
Introduction
The phrase “Sign sb out” is commonly used when referring to the process of marking that someone has finished using a service, left a building, or logged off from a system. The sign sb out meaning involves formally noting that a person is no longer present or active. This can happen in offices, schools, libraries, or online platforms. Understanding this phrasal verb helps learners communicate clearly in both everyday and professional situations.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Sign somebody out
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B1
- Short meaning: To officially record that someone has left or logged off
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Sign sb out” is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object (sb) between “sign” and “out,” or after “out.”
- Sign somebody out
- Sign out somebody
Example patterns:
- Sign someone out
- Sign out someone
How to Use Sign sb out?
Use “sign sb out” when you want to indicate that you or someone else is officially marking the end of a person’s activity or presence. This can be physical, like leaving a building, or digital, like logging out of an account. It is often used in formal or organized settings.
Examples
At the library, you need to sign the visitors out before they leave.
- Please sign me out when I leave the office.
- The receptionist signed the guests out after the meeting.
- Don’t forget to sign yourself out of the computer before you go.
- They signed the children out of school early today.
- He signed his name to sign himself out of the building.
Here is how to use “sign sb out in a sentence” correctly and naturally.
Common Mistakes
People often confuse “sign sb out” with “sign out sb,” which is less common and can sound awkward. Also, forgetting to use the object “sb” when needed can be incorrect.
- Incorrect: I will sign out now.
- Correct: I will sign myself out now.
- Incorrect: She sign out the visitor.
- Correct: She signed the visitor out.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include “log out” and “check out.”
- Log out: Usually used for digital accounts only.
- Check out: Often used for leaving hotels or libraries but less formal.
- “Sign sb out” is more formal and official, often used in workplaces or schools.
Common Collocations
Here are common objects used with “sign sb out” and their meanings:
- Visitors: People who come to a place temporarily.
- Employees: Workers who leave the office.
- Students: Learners leaving school or classes.
- Guests: People invited to events or meetings.
- Devices: Computers or tablets that need to be logged off.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of sign sb out:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a simple conversation using “sign sb out” naturally.
Receptionist: Did you sign out your visitors before they left?
Manager: Yes, I signed them out at the front desk.
Receptionist: Great! Please remember to sign yourself out when you leave.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “sign sb out.”
- Please ______ the guests ______ before they leave.
- Don’t forget to ______ yourself ______ of the system.
- The teacher ______ the students ______ after class.
FAQ
- What does “sign sb out” mean? It means to officially record that someone has left a place or logged off.
- Can I say “sign out sb” instead of “sign sb out”? Yes, but “sign sb out” is more common and natural.
- Is “sign sb out” used for digital or physical places? It is used for both, like logging out of an account or leaving a building.
- What is a synonym for “sign sb out”? “Log out” or “check out” can be synonyms depending on the context.
- Is “sign sb out” formal? Yes, it is often used in formal or official contexts.
