Meaning & use

signing for

verb·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈsaɪnɪŋ fɔː/
US/ˈsaɪnɪŋ fɔːr/

“signing for” is a form of “sign for”.

Meanings

  1. verbtransitive

    Accepting delivery of something by signing your name as proof that you received it.

    Grammar: Takes an object: 'signing for a package'. The object is the thing you receive.

    Patterns

    • sign for something
    • sign for a package

    The receptionist is signing for a package right now.

    I don't like signing for deliveries because I have to be home.

    She was signing for the registered letter when I called.

  2. verbtransitivesport

    Agreeing to work for a team, company, or organization by signing a contract.

    Grammar: Takes an object: 'signing for a club'. Often used in sports.

    Patterns

    • sign for a team
    • sign for a company

    The striker is signing for a new club next season.

    After signing for the company, she started work immediately.

Word forms

base formsign for
third person singularsigns for
past tensesigned for
past participlesigned for
present participlesigning for

Common combinations

signing for a package
Signing for a package means you take responsibility for it.
signing for a delivery
He was busy signing for a delivery when I arrived.
signing for a team
The player is signing for a team in Italy.
signing for a club
Signing for a big club is a dream for many footballers.

Synonyms and how they differ

accepting
Accepting is more general and does not require a signature; 'signing for' specifically involves signing your name as proof.
joining
Joining can mean becoming a member without signing a contract; 'signing for' a team implies a formal contract.

Word family

sign verb
To write your name on something.
signature noun
Your name written by yourself.

Commonly confused: signing for or sign in?

signing for vs sign in

Sign in means to register your arrival, often by writing your name in a book; 'sign for' means to accept something by signing.

Practice

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