Many people get confused when it comes to sign up vs sign-up. If you are one of them, don’t worry! Both are correct, but they have different meanings and usages. The former is an action, while the latter is an event or a descriptor of one. Please read on for a complete understanding of these terms and how to use them.
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What Is Sign Up?
Grammatically, sign up is an action verb paired with an adverb (it’s also called a phrasal verb or verb phrase). It indicates that someone is registering for something or making a commitment to do something.
Note: You can also use this combination of words to say, “There’s a sign up on the wall.” That’s not the usage we’re covering in this article. Instead, the two words go together to make their own phrase.
Example sentences:
- Tomorrow morning, I’m going to sign up for an advertising class.
- After you sign up for the course, an instructor will reach out about what you’ll need and what to expect.
- When you turn 18, one of the first things you should do is sign up to be able to vote.
- My cousin plans to sign up to serve in the Army once he graduates from high school.
- Did you sign up to receive that newsletter on a regular basis?
When and How to Use Sign Up?
If you’re going to use “sign up” in writing, you should indicate that you are undertaking in action. In many cases, you will literally sign your name to complete a purchase, enroll in a course, join an organization, etc.
What Is Sign-Up?
“Sign-up” is a compound word, and you use it as a noun or adjective. As a noun, it’s an event or activity where you sign up for something. As an adjective, it describes an activity or event so that you know it’s for signing up.
Example sentences:
- Sign-up starts at 8 tomorrow morning and will remain open until all slots are filled. (noun)
- Because I was late for sign-up, I didn’t get my first choice. (noun)
- The sign-up process was confusing, and there were a lot of complaints about it. (adjective)
- I’ll put a sign-up sheet for the potluck luncheon in the staff room. (adjective)
- The online sign-up window will be brief, so I recommend being ready as soon as it opens. (adjective)
- The sign-up page is not working on my smartphone. Are you using a different device?
- After completing the online sign-up form, registered users will receive a confirmation email.
- Have you received the sign-up bonus code via mail or text message?
When and How to Use Sign-Up?
To correctly use “sign-up” in writing, you have to remember that it’s an activity, not an action itself. It can also describe an event where you sign up for something. The event or activity can be in person, or it can be virtual or remote (online, by phone, etc.).
What’s the Difference?
To “sign up” is to take action to commit to doing something. It can relate to purchases, subscriptions, joining a team or organization, etc. On the other hand, “sign-up” is a compound word that uses a hyphen to join two separate words. Instead of indicating an action, it describes the activity itself.
The following sentence would sound awkward if you actually used it, but it demonstrates all three usages discussed here:
Sign-up for baseball begins on Monday, so make sure you sign up before the sign-up period ends.Trick to Remembering the Correct Spelling
If you are struggling to remember which spelling you should use, remember that “sign-up” (the hyphenated word) can be an adjective or a noun. But, without a hyphen (sign up), it’s a phrasal verb.
Final Thoughts
In summary, mastering sign up vs sign-up starts with understanding that each has different meanings and applications. To avoid confusion and misuse of the wrong word, remember that “sign up” (two words) is a combination of a verb and an adverb (phrasal verb / verbal phrase), whereas “sign-up” is the adjective form or a noun.
