Meaning & use
signing for
Last updated
“signing for” is a form of “sign for”.
Meanings
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.
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 form | sign for |
|---|---|
| third person singular | signs for |
| past tense | signed for |
| past participle | signed for |
| present participle | signing 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
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
Which sentence uses 'signing for' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option An is correct because 'signing for' takes a direct object (the thing received). Options B, C, and D incorrectly add extra prepositions after 'for'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “signing for”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.