key in
B1/B2Neutral to informal, common in workplace/technical contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To enter data into a computer, device, or system by typing on a keyboard.
To input information, often with careful attention; to code or program specific parameters; figuratively, to make something mentally central or ingrained.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a phrasal verb focused on the action of inputting. Can imply a deliberate, careful act of entry. The figurative use ('keyed in' to mean 'attuned to') is more informal, often seen in US English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In literal data-entry sense, usage is identical. The participial adjective 'keyed in' (meaning attuned/informed) is more prevalent in AmE. BrE might favour 'type in' slightly more in casual speech.
Connotations
Technical, efficient, deliberate. 'Keyed in' (adj.) connotes being switched on, aware, or emotionally invested.
Frequency
High frequency in IT, administrative, and business contexts in both variants. Slightly higher overall frequency in AmE, partly due to the extended adjectival use.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + key in + [direct object: data/code][Subject] + key + [direct object: data] + inbe/get keyed in (to something)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “be keyed in (to something) = be attuned/informed”
- “keyed up = nervous/excited”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Key in the quarterly figures into the spreadsheet.
Academic
Participants keyed in their responses via the online portal.
Everyday
Can you key in the postcode for me? The satnav's touchscreen is fiddly.
Technical
The system requires you to key in the authentication token within 30 seconds.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Please key in your National Insurance number.
- I haven't keyed those invoices in yet.
- She was busy keying in the survey results.
American English
- Key in your social security number here.
- He keyed the coordinates in manually.
- Are you keyed in to the new project yet? (adj. use)
adverb
British English
- (N/A - 'key in' does not function as an adverb)
American English
- (N/A - 'key in' does not function as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The team isn't really keyed in to the management's new strategy.
- He was too keyed up before the presentation.
American English
- She's totally keyed in to the local music scene.
- The players were keyed up for the championship game.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Key in your name here.
- I can key in the numbers.
- You need to key in the correct password to continue.
- The secretary keyed in all the customer details.
- After keying in the complex formula, the graph updated instantly.
- Make sure you're keyed in to the latest safety protocols before starting.
- The researcher meticulously keyed in the qualitative data, ensuring no nuance was lost.
- As a freelance journalist, staying keyed in to political undercurrents is essential for insightful analysis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a physical KEY you use to UNLOCK a door. Here, your fingers on the keyboard are the 'keys' you use to UNLOCK (enter) the computer system by putting data IN.
Conceptual Metaphor
DATA ENTRY IS UNLOCKING (using a key to grant access). INFORMATION IS A CODE (to be keyed in).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'ключить' (which is slang for 'to start/understand').
- Direct translation of 'key' as 'ключ' can cause confusion; this is about typing, not a physical key.
- Do not confuse with 'log in' (войти в систему). 'Key in' is the action of entering the data *for* logging in.
Common Mistakes
- *I keyed in the system. (Incorrect object; you key data *into* a system)
- *She is keying the password. (Omitting the particle 'in' changes meaning)
- Confusion with 'key up' (to excite).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'keyed in' used figuratively?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Key in' often implies a more deliberate, single-action entry of specific data (like a code or password). 'Type in' is more general for any typing action. They are often interchangeable, but 'key in' is more common in technical/formal instructions.
Yes. You can say 'Key the password in' or 'Key in the password'. Both are correct, though the non-separated form is more common with pronouns: 'Key it in' (not '*Key in it').
Primarily, yes. It originated with physical keypunches and electronic keyboards. Figuratively ('be keyed in'), it extends to mean being mentally or socially attuned, not involving a physical device.
In computing, the direct opposite action is 'delete', 'erase', or 'clear'. The conceptual opposite in terms of data flow is 'output' or 'retrieve'.