Meaning & use
autographing
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“autographing” is a form of “autograph”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
verbtransitive
The present participle of autograph: writing one's signature on something, especially for a fan or admirer.
Grammar: Needs an object: autographing a book. Often used after is/are/was/were to show ongoing action.
Patterns
- autographing something
- be autographing something
She is autographing copies of her new novel at the bookstore today.
The actor was busy autographing posters for excited fans.
Autographing hundreds of items can make your hand tired.
Word forms
| base form | autograph |
|---|---|
| third person singular | autographs |
| past tense | autographed |
| past participle | autographed |
| present participle | autographing |
Common combinations
- busy autographing
- The singer was busy autographing CDs after the show.
- autographing session
- The store held an autographing session with the author.
- start autographing
- The players will start autographing balls at noon.
Synonyms and how they differ
- signing
- Signing is more general and can mean writing any signature on a document; autographing specifically means writing a signature as a souvenir for someone.
Word family
- autograph noun
- A signature, especially one kept as a memento.
- autographed adjective
- Having a signature written on it.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
Autographing takes a direct object (the thing signed) and can add 'for someone' to show the receiver. Option 0 is wrong because you autograph the item, not the person. Option 2 uses 'to' incorrectly, and option 3 suggests the fans are tools, which is not the meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “autographing”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.